Since this really is “Good Friday,” I thought I would make it the main focus of my “Only The Good” Friday. Yes, I was there… No… not the original “Good Friday,” … but  I traveled to the Holy Land a number of years ago and the trip remains vivid in my mind.   I want to share with you a bit of my experience as we traveled from Galilee on the North to Jerusalem.  These photos were taken back in the days of the “non digital” camera, but they may give you a little different perspective of the area rather than the traditional professional  photos  you usually see.

We were told before we left on the tour… “If you don’t take Christ with you… you will not find Him there.”  In some of the historic sites… I found that to be the case… especially in Bethlehem.  However, for the most part… I felt a strong spirit and energy in the entire area that was powerful and profound.   I would love to go back and do it all over again… it was a wonderful experience.

Don’t ask me how I got up there nor how I got down… I was too frightened to remember.

The dome of the rock actually covers a rock… the top of a mountain.  When you go inside…that’s all there is…. rock or a mountain top.   It is a sacred place for Christians and Muslims.  Christians believe this is where Abraham went to sacrifice Isaac, his son.  It is the third most holy place for the followers of Mohammad to worship.

And Abraham rose up early in the morning…and went unto the place which God had told him.  And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah-jireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the Lord it shall be seen. Genesis 22: 3 and 14.

Dome of the Rock sits on the Temple Mount.  The wall is a side wall of Solomons Temple.  Men and women go there to worship… they are separated by a small fence.

There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, A certain Priest named Zacharias….  According to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. St.Luke 1:5 and 9.

The Galilee empties into the Jordan river  in this area.   Nazareth is not far from this location.

And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in the Jordan.  St. Mark 1:9.

This area is believed to be where Jesus gave The Sermon on the Mount.  The side of his mountain forms a natural bowl and the acoustics are astounding.  You can hear every word from quite a distance. This overlooks the Sea of Galilee…. calm and blue.

And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, Blessed are the poor in spirit..  Matthew 5:1-3.

Nearly every afternoon, the wind changes on the Galilee… and the sea becomes a tempest.  The Galilee over stepped its bounds and beat upon this wall at the south end of the sea.

And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves; but he was asleep.  And his disciples came to him and awoke him saying, Lord, save us: we perish.  And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, Oh ye of little faith?  Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.  Matthew 8:23-26.

This photo is take on the mount of  Olives at the Orson Hyde Memorial.  Our guide was just speaking of Christ’s entrance into Jerusalem on a donkey… when these two little boys appeared.

And when they drew night unto Jerusalem,  and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then set Jesus two disciples, Saying unto them, Go into the straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her; loose them, and bring them unto me.

In the Garden of Gethsemane are are many olive trees thought to be over 2000 years old.

And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.  Matthew 26:39.

Golgotha is just outside of the wall that surrounds Old Jerusalem.  Below was a natural  rock quarry where it’s believed  Stephen was stoned to death.   At the present time… there is a bus station located there.  To the left of the photo… not more than 100 yards, is the Garden Tomb.

And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull.  Matthew 27:3

The Garden was one of the few places that was left very natural.  The Church of England owns the property and it was beautifully kept… so quite and peaceful.

Now in the place he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid.   There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews’ preparation day; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand.  The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre. St. John 19:41-42

I’m a member of the Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints.  We focus on the resurrected “Living Christ.” Non the less…I’m grateful for his extraordinary sacrifice and his glorious resurrection.

And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.  He is not here: for he is risen, as he said….. Mathew 28:5-6.

Have a happy Easter… and remember to share “Only The Good” On this Friday.

Till Later,

Kathy Griffiths
Insightful Nana.

P.S.  You can join OtGF by going to This Eclectic Life. My sister Sheila has a real fun “Good Friday” post you won’t want to miss.

P.P.S.  Guess what?    Tomorrow, Saturday I’m featured a guest writer for Grandparent week at “I Never Grew Up.” Here’s the bottom line… you won’t want to miss it.  Go Here and see.