| Tuesday we traveled to the top of the Mount of Olives and descended along the approximate path Jesus walked that Palm Sunday almost 2000 years ago. At the highest point on the Mount of Olives we visited the Chapel of the Ascension, a small domed building marking the traditional spot where Jesus ascended into heaven. As we walked down the path we enjoyed spectacular views of Jerusalem, a most unique and holy city, important to three major religions - Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. There is not another city in the world that has been as coveted and fought over as much as Jerusalem. As we looked out over Old Jerusalem, most noticeable on Temple Mount was the Dome of the Rock with its gold-plated dome, located at the highest point on Mount Moriah. Here Abraham offered up Isaac as a sacrifice; the First and Second Temples were built; and Mohammed ascended to heaven. As this holy site is sacred to both Judaism and Islam, it is really the main point of contention in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Along the Old Jerusalem Wall and to the right of the Dome of the Rock is the Golden Gate, the gate of Jesus� Triumphal entry into Jerusalem that first Palm Sunday. This gate has been closed for centuries and is prophesized to not be opened until Christ comes again (Ezekiel 44:1-3). |
