Holy Week in the Holy Land of Israel is an experience that I will truly never forget for the rest of my life. In Revelation 4:8 and 11 it is written, “Day and night they never stop saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God, the Almighty, who was, who is, and who is to come… Our Lord and God, you are worthy to receive glory and honor and power, because you have created all things, and by your will they exist and were created.” The word holy is a powerful and beautiful word, as it illustrates something or someone being set apart, being exalted, worthy of our devotion and adoration.
Holy Week in Jerusalem started on Palm Sunday, a day where Christian believers from all across the world gather together to walk from the Mount of Olives to the Old City. To be in Jerusalem on this day, reflecting on Jesus’ triumphal entry into the city on a donkey was spectacular. Thousands of believers gathered together waving palm branches and joyfully singing “Hosanna” in several languages. We descended the mountain in the footsteps of Jesus, reflecting on the humility of our King.
During the weekdays of Holy Week, it was especially unique to read Scripture every day, following along with where our Savior would have been on each specific day. Later in the week, a friend and I descended down the Mount of Olives again, reflecting on Good Friday, the day Jesus was crucified on the cross to save humanity. We sat in the Garden of Gethsemane, reading Matthew 26:39 which says, “My father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me. Yet not as I will, but your will be done.” We walked the Via Dolorosa, the path literally meaning “the way of suffering”, where Jesus carried his cross on the way to the crucifixion. It was absolutely beautiful to physically trace our Messiah’s footsteps, at the same time of year that He would have done so Himself.
On Holy Saturday, my friend and I attended an Easter vigil at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. We happened to be in the church while the procession started, so it was a wonderful experience to witness that we did not intentionally show up for! Everyone was holding candles and singing songs as they marched around the tomb of Jesus. This day allowed us to feel the weight of the crucifixion, the sadness that the disciples would have felt as they were mourning their friend.
On Sunday, we attended an Easter gathering at the Garden Tomb, which was incredible! Being able to sing with other believers from around the world in a possible location for the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus was unbelievable. My eyes teared up, as I thought about how the stone was truly rolled away from the grave and death has been defeated forever. It isn’t just an idea to think about, but I was physically standing in the land where this all took place. There is so much hope, joy, and peace on Easter, because God accomplished for us what humanity never could: being reconciled back to God despite our sin and having the opportunity to live with Him forever in Eternity.
Ultimately, celebrating Holy Week in Jerusalem was an unforgettable experience to remember and hold onto forever. Witnessing believers who speak hundreds of other languages gathered together to worship the same God was incredible. Walking down the same paths that Jesus walked, while meditating on His words in Scripture was remarkable. This Holy Week was especially memorable, because it was a rare time where Easter, Ramadan, and Passover all overlapped, holidays from the main three Abrahamic religions. Witnessing the combination of people from all different religions celebrating their holidays was a memory I will never forget. Thank you, Jerusalem, for continuously illustrating the loveliness and holiness of our risen Savior.
