Discovering the Holy Land: A Spiritual Journey to Christian Sites

Before I begin this blog, I want to preface it with a disclaimer. The ongoing Israeli/Palestinian conflict is a sensitive topic that creates political and war tensions in the region. I am not here to take sides, nor do I wish to discuss their issues. Instead, I am here as a Christian to visit the biblical sites with the utmost respect for both sides. It saddens me to see so many people struggling and Palestinians losing their lives. I hope for peace and a world where everyone can live in harmony.

With that said, I’ll start from the north.

Sea of Galilee 

As I arrived at the Sea of Galilee, also known as Lake Tiberias or Kinneret, my heart was filled with awe and wonder. I couldn’t believe I was standing at the very site where Jesus performed so many miracles! As the sun began to set, the tranquility and peacefulness of the lake were so captivating. I was filled with gratitude for the opportunity to be there and experience this moment. Imagining the miracles that occurred right before my eyes was an experience that will stay with me forever.

Jesus is said to have walked on the water 

So when they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near the boat; and they were afraid. But He said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” Then they willingly received Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land where they were going.

– John 6:19-21 (NKJV)

Jesus calmed a storm 

Now when He got into a boat, His disciples followed Him. And suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep. Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!”. But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. 

– Matthew 8:23-26 (NKJV)

Jesus showed the disciples miraculous catches of fish 

But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!”

– Luke 5:5-8 (NKJV)

My guided prayers here:

Heavenly Father, thank You for answering my prayers and performing miracles in my life every day. Help me feel the gentle nudge of your Spirit as I move toward the future. Help me to always stand in faith and keep my focus on You when unexpected circumstances arise. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Nazareth

I arrived in Nazareth, the humble town where Jesus spent his childhood and began his ministry. This is the location of the largest Christian church in the Middle East. Walking through the streets of this historic town was a powerful and meaningful experience. I visited the Church of the Annunciation, where the angel Gabriel revealed to Mary that she would give birth to Jesus. It was a humbling reminder of the miraculous events that took place in this small, unassuming town. Although Jesus couldn’t stay in Nazareth, it played a crucial role in the beginnings of Christianity, serving as a reminder that God often chooses the most humble and unexpected places to work His miracles.

God chosen Nazareth to raise Jesus 

And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, “He shall be called a Nazarene.”

– Matthew 2:23 (NKJV)

God chose an insignificant place like Nazareth because people were looking for a great authoritarian political leader to come but He wanted to show that His Kingdom has spiritual reign over all things, including political. Jesus Christ demonstrated humility in how He was born, how He grew up, and even where He lived. We are to be Christlike, so we should model that spirit of humility in how we depend on Him and treat others.

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

– Philippians 2:5-8 (NKJV)

My guided prayers here:

Heavenly Father, I thank you for reminding me to be humble as I walk through Nazareth. I ask for you to help me to choose kindness and empathy. Help me to be generous and not judgmental. Help me God to life Christlike and live with courage. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Jerusalem

Next up we have Jerusalem, As I set foot in Jerusalem, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of reverence. This ancient city, which serves as the spiritual centre for three major religions – Christianity, Judaism, and Islam – is a place of immense significance for people of all faiths. Walking through its winding streets and alleyways, I was struck by the rich history and culture that permeates every corner of this city. And with biblical sites like the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Garden Tomb, and Garden of Gethsemane at the Mount of Olives, it was a truly unforgettable experience that left me feeling deeply inspired.

Church of the Holy Sepulchre is located in the Old City of Jerusalem and is believed to be the site where Jesus was crucified, buried, and resurrected. According to the Bible, Jesus was crucified at a place called Golgotha, which means “the place of the skull” (Matthew 27:33). The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is built on this site and is considered to be the location where Jesus was crucified and buried.

Inside the church, you can visit the Stone of Anointing, which is believed to be the place where Jesus’ body was prepared for burial. You can also see the Chapel of the Crucifixion, which marks the spot where Jesus was crucified, and the Tomb of Jesus, where he was buried and resurrected.

Okay so no one is 100% sure where Jesus was actually buried therefore, the Garden Tomb is also another important Christian site located in Jerusalem. It is a serene garden that features a rock-cut tomb that some believe could be the actual location of Jesus’ burial and resurrection.

The Garden Tomb is significant because it offers an alternative site to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. According to some scholars, the Garden Tomb is a more likely location for Jesus’ burial and resurrection, based on historical and archaeological evidence.

Next we have the Garden of Gethsemane located at the foot of the Mount of Olives, a hill east of Jerusalem. It is a beautiful garden that is believed to be the place where Jesus prayed with his disciples before his arrest and crucifixion.

According to the Bible, Jesus went with his disciples to the Garden of Gethsemane after the Last Supper. He asked them to keep watch while he prayed, but they fell asleep. Jesus prayed. 

Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, “Sit here while I go and pray over there.”And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.”

He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” 

– Matthew 26:26-29 (NKJV)

This was a place where Jesus showed His humanity and vulnerability, a place where He prayed for strength and guidance in the face of immense suffering. It was a powerful reminder that even the Son of God experienced fear and doubt, yet He ultimately submitted to God’s will. The Garden of Gethsemane serves as a testament to Jesus’ unwavering faith and an inspiration to us all to trust in God during our own struggles.

My guided prayers here:

Heavenly Father, I thank you for taking me here to Jerusalem to witness and feel what Jesus felt the night he prayed to you Lord. I felt sorrow that Jesus has been crucified yet joy as Jesus have risen from the death. I pray you give me the strengths to completely surrender myself to you like Jesus did and be release from my burdens to your will. 

Bethlehem

Bethlehem is the birthplace of Jesus without doubt it is holy site for Christians around the world. Visiting Bethlehem for me was a deeply moving experience, it reminded me of the story of Jesus’ birth and the hope that He brought to the world.

While in Bethlehem, I had the chance to visit the Church of the Nativity, which is believed to be the location where Jesus was born. The church is built on top of the original stable. It was amazing experience to stand in the very place where the Son of God was born. I also visited the Shepherds’ Fields, where the angels announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds. This served as a powerful reminder of the joy that the birth of Jesus brings to the world.

As I walked through the streets of Bethlehem, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the hope and salvation that Jesus offers. I offered prayers of gratitude for the gift of His birth and the incredible sacrifice He made for humanity.

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”

– Matthew 2:2 (NKJV)

My guided prayer here:

Father, thank You for sending Jesus to be born so that He could die for our sins. Thank you for reminding me that Jesus should be born to die, so that we could be reborn to live. Help me never to lose the child-like wonder of the glory of you, when my God and Saviour was born to die for me. 

In His name we pray,

Amen.

Alright, by now you know I love lists and summaries so here is the list of places and its biblical significance: –