In the steps of the ancient people of
Israel and Jesus the Messiah, we'll travel from the Sinai wanderings, through
the heartland of Israel, and up north to the source of the Jordan River. The
whole of the Land will become our spiritual classroom as we seek to understand
God's message to His people, both in those ancient days and our own.
Day 1: Depart UK for
Flight to Tel Aviv
Day
2: Arrival/Introduction to the Wilderness Way of Life
Day
10: A Light to the Nations
For more information, please Contact us.
Through the Judean wilderness to Tel
Arad, a pre-Abrahamic major city and later an Israelite fortress. Afternoon for
rest or exploring the Arad area on your own. Overnight in Arad.
Day 3: The Desert
Today we go south to the Wilderness of
Paran to the beautiful Ramon Crater, where we'll take a walk in the crater and
consider the true location of Mount Sinai. In the afternoon we stop at the
ancient caravan city of Avdat. Overnight Arad or Beersheva.
Day 4: Out of Egypt
Through the wilderness of Zin, we will
discuss the incident when Moses struck the rock. Time permitting, we will take
a short hike in the Zin Canyon. In the afternoon we visit the home of the
founder of Israel, David Ben Gurion, at Kibbutz Sde Boker. Overnight in
Beersheva.
Day 5: The Shephelah-Kingdom and
Conflict
An examination of the conflict between
the Philistines and the Israelites will include a stop at Ekron and a closer
look at Philistine civilization. On to the Elah Valley, site of David's
encounter with Goliath and, time permitting, Bethlehem. Overnight in Jerusalem.
Day 6: Discovering the Jerusalem of Jesus.
A visit to the Herodian Estates, the
Temple Mount, the Western Wall, Ophel Gardens, Southern Wall excavations and
other Jewish Quarter sites will enhance our study of Jerusalem during the
Herodian period. Overnight in Jerusalem.
Day 7: The
Desert as Refuge
Our study of religious and political
refuge begins at the Herodian fortress of Masada. In the area of Ein Gedi,
where David hid from Saul, we will swim in the Dead Sea. At Qumran, we'll
explore the relationship of the teachings of the Essenes to those of John the
Baptist and Jesus. Overnight in Jerusalem.
Day 8:
In the Steps of Jesus
The last week of Jesus' earthly life
is our focus as we visit the site of Caiaphas' house, the Garden of Gethsemane,
the Holy Sepulchre and the Garden Tomb. In the evening we'll share Passover
Seder, much like the one Jesus shared with his disciples. Overnight in
Jerusalem.
Day 9: Morning Worship at Chosen Venue,
Rest of the Day Free.
Through Jericho (conditions
permitting) and north through the valley we'll go to the Sea of Galilee,
stopping on the way at the pools at Sachne and the Biblical city of Beth Shean.
At the ancient synagogue of Beth Alpha, we consider the emergence and
divergence of Christianity from its Jewish context. Overnight at Galilee.
Day 11: Around the Sea
Visits to Chorazin, the Mount of
Beatitudes, Capernaum and the Tabgha area will help us focus on the different
aspects of Jesus' ministry and the Jewish background to his teachings. And
we'll enjoy a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. Overnight in Galilee.
Day 12: Via Maris
Today, we focus on the religious,
social and political turmoil existing prior to and during the first century
A.D. At Caesarea, site of the conversion of Cornelius, we consider the spread
of the Gospel among the Gentiles. Time permitting, we visit Nazareth and
Meggido. Overnight at Mount Carmel or Netanya.
Day
13: Departure. Return Flight to the U.K. For more information, please Contact us.