Jerusalem remembered...

2008/2012

Christmas mystery: where the wise men came?

We all remember the gospel story of the birth of Jesus Christ.
We know that this happened in the city of Bethlehem, in the cave where they kept cattle.
Also read in the Gospel of the three wise men:

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, the wise men came to Jerusalem from the east and say where that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east and have come to worship him. Upon hearing this, King Herod was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born? And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet: 
And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are not least among the rulers of Judah, for out of you will come a ruler who upaset my people Israel. 
Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them what time the star appeared, and he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the child, and when you find it, let me know, so that I may come and worship him. They had heard the king, they departed. And lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy, and went into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him; and opening their treasures, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed into another by their country. Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 2

Based on this text, we can assume that the wise men came to the King who was born in Bethlehem. Traditionally, and depict this event:

We see that those who drew these pictures, no doubt: the wise men came to Bethlehem, and even on the same night when Christ was born. Shows a cave, animals, baby in a manger ... Although it is written that the wise men came to the house.
But read on:

When they were gone, - an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. He got up, took the child and his mother by night and departed into Egypt: And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son. Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent and slew all the male children in Bethlehem and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had ascertained from the wise men.   Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 2
Question: why Herod ordered the destruction of babies in Bethlehem from two years old? The answer here: time which he had ascertained from the wise men.  

Hence, Herod did not know exactly when he was born his rival, the new King of the Jews. He only knew that the birth was going to happen in Bethlehem, and the time when the star appeared in the sky, behind which were the wise men. Therefore, he admitted that the star, the news of the birth of the new King, maybe even two years ago. What did the the wise men two years - it is clear - they were in the way, followed the star from afar, from the East (as the researchers believe - from Persia). But it is clear that the Holy Family might not be as much time in the cave with the animals. Yes, and a child aged two years, does not require a finding in a manger :)
Here we have to remember why and how Mary and Joseph were in Bethlehem? They came from Nazareth in the census because of their race comes out of this town. Of course, after the census and the birth of a child, they had to go back to Nazareth. Not immediately - because according to the law of Moses on the eighth day of a newborn baby boy should be cut off, and after days of purification to come to the temple:

And when eight days were fulfilled to circumcise the child, gave him the name Jesus, named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb. 
And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 
as prescribed in the law of the Lord, Every male that opens the womb, to the Lord; 
And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons. The Gospel of Luke, chapter 2

After Jerusalem Joseph and Mary was no more need to go back to Bethlehem, so they are back to where they came from:

And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth. The Gospel of Luke, chapter 2

So Herod was wrong in thinking that the new King of the Jews still is still in Bethlehem, but the wise men and more followed the star that led them exactly to the child, that is - in the home of Joseph and Mary in Nazareth!

ISRAEL. Jerusalem - on the Mount Zion

Mount Zion


Church "Mary of Zion", the Room of the Last Supper, the Room of the descent of the Holy Spirit.

After the Resurrection, Jesus appeared to the disciples another 40 days and finally commanded them not to diverge from Jerusalem, but to expect fulfillment of the promise of the Father. And then ascended.
Because the students continued to meet every day in the upper room.
And after ten days the Jews had to celebrate Shavuot - Pentecost and fruits. It was one of the three main temple prazdnkov in Israel. Shavuot means "seven weeks" potmou what exactly seven weeks after the exodus of the Jews from Egypt, the Lord appeared to Moyse on Mount Sinai and gave him commandments, the Torah.
Like every year, in those days in Jerusalem were many pilgrims - from all over Judea, as well as other areas in the coordinate lived scattered Israelites:

Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians ... Acts of the Apostles 2

But this time, the incredible happened. In the upper room with the apostles of Christ and his mother Mary Eogo were gathered together and the other disciples, vseogo approximately 120 people. Suddenly there arose a great noise and wind:

...And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts of the Apostles, 2

What were these languages​​? I have listed above, how many different aliens was expected that day in Jerusalem. So each of them he heard the familiar language of the country where he came from!
It was incredible, because all the disciples of Jesus, who had gathered in the upper room, came from Galilee and could not know so many different languages ​​and dialects. So on the day of Pentecost, God fulfilled the promise given in the Old Testament:

And afterward, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons shall prophesy, and your daughters; your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions. 
And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit. And I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness and the moon - in the blood, before the coming of the day of the Lord, the great and terrible. And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved; for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call. Joel 2

And the Holy Spirit came upon a large crowd of students and performed their heavenly forces. Apostles and disciples of Christ began to do many miracles, heal the sick, raise the dead, cast out demons and prophesied. Church was born and began to grow rapidly.

ISRAEL. Jerusalem - from the Holy Sepulchre to the Chapel of the Ascension

He is risen!

Temple of the Holy Sepulchre, Mount Olives, Chapel of the Ascension.
Christ's death stunned his students and delighted his enemies. Followers, thus ending their disappointed hopes for the coming of the King of the Jews and the Redeemer of Israel, began to disperse from Jerusalem to their homes. But the Pharisees and the chief priests feared even after the death of Christ, remembering the prophecy of the resurrection in three days. Because they turned to Pontius Pilate, who ordered to guard the tomb in which they buried the body of Jesus.

Now after the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulcher. And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it; His appearance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow; And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men; But the angel said to the women, he said, do not be afraid, for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified He is not here - he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay, and go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee; there shall ye see him. Behold, I have told you. 
Matthew 28
Thus began a new era in which life defeated death, when the love of God is the salvation of the people, when the Son of God is risen! He became our Passover, the deliverance from sin and eternal death. And everyone who believes in Jesus will not perish, but have eternal life.

ISRAEL. Jerusalem: Dolorosa - the path to Calvary

Dolorosa


Street on which Jesus were crucified.

After his arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus suffered bullying, humiliation and false accusations before Sinedrinom, before the Jewish King Herod and the Roman governor Pontius Pilate. He was sentenced to death, and led to the crucifixion of the street Dolorosa.

And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon of Cyrene, who was walking off the field, conferred on him the cross, to carry it behind Jesus. And there followed him a great company of people, and of women who bewailed and lamented him. But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem! weep not for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children, because the days are coming, in the which they shall say, Blessed are the barren, and the wombs, and breasts nursed! Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us! and to the hills, 'Cover us! For if in the green tree is done, then it would be dry? 
Luke 23

Each day, hundreds of pilgrims pass through this street, repeating the sad path of the Savior on Golgotha. As well as two thousand years ago, Dolorosa crowded, there is rampant trade and worth the noise of the crowd. But at the end of the path, on Calvary, where now stands the Temple of the Holy Sepulchre, if we are alone with the inevitability of death throes, which has undergone in the last hours of Jesus before his death on the cross. 

 

ISRAEL. Jerusalem - Church of All Nations

Church of All Nations


Located next to Gethsemane Park

Passion of the Christ - this topic excited and forced to experience all generations of Christians. Great artists such as El Greco, Titian, Rubens and Rembrandt, tried to recreate the passionate event on his canvases. Famous works of the outstanding composer Johann Sebastian Bach - "St. Matthew Passion" and "St. John Passion". In 2004, Vishal film by American director and actor Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ", which deeply impressed millions of viewers around the world.
The first footage of this film takes us back to the Garden of Gethsemane:

...Jesus went with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into which he entered, and his disciples. Knew the place, and Judas, who betrayed him, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons. Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went out and said to them: Whom seek ye? They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus said to them: I am stood with them, and Judas, who betrayed him. And when he said to them: I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground. Again he asked them: Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus answered, I told you that I am he; Now therefore, if ye seek me, let these go, it might be fulfilled the word which was spoken unto them, Out of those whom thou hast given me, I have lost none. Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant, cutting off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus. But Jesus said to Peter: Put up thy sword into the sheath; shall I not drink the cup which the Father has given me? Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound him, and led him away ... 
John, 18

And in the early 20th century, after the end of World War 12 states have donated money for the construction of the Church of All Nations. Construction finished in 1924.
Basilica of belonging to the Franciscan Order, is situated next to the Gethsemane garden. Before its altar is a stone on which, according to tradition, Jesus prayed on the night when Judas betrayed him. Because in this temple is always twilight, because those early events occurred at night. On the ceiling you can see the coats of arms of the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Belgium, USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and Chile.

ISRAEL. Jerusalem - Garden of Gethsemane

Garden of Gethsemane


Here began the Passion of Christ

After the Holy Supper, when the traitor Judas had already left to give his Master to those who sought his death, Jesus and the other students went to the Mount of Olives to pray.

And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation. And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, saying, Father! oh, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me; nevertheless not my will, but thine be done. And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground .. 
Luke 22
It was here in the Garden of Gethsemane, among olive trees, some of which have survived to our time, Jesus seized the temple guards and taken to the high priest. Here he experienced betrayal and the last time before the crucifixion was with his disciples.

ISRAEL. Jerusalem: The first acquaintance

Иерусалим

Golden City.

The first time I came to Jerusalem in the evening. With Arab hotel on the Mount of Olives, we went to the modern part of the city. It was a Saturday, the sun was setting and the day of rest (Sabbath, which lasts from sunset to sunset) is about to have ended. Because there were not many people, and all the shops and cafes just ready to open.

Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy; Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day - Saturday the Lord thy God: thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day; Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it. 
Exodus 20

I was immediately surprised that the modern neighborhoods of Jerusalem, a little different from most of the big cities in the world. Cozy alleys, benches in the shade of small trees neat, welcoming coffee shops and restaurants, the bright windows of boutiques - all spacecraft and elsewhere in Europe, Asia or any other continent. But we went through the narrow streets close to the Temple of the Holy Sepulchre, as all around was to change rapidly, as if we were flying in antiquity to a time machine. Even the people around were different, because most of them were the same as we do - foreigners, tourists or pilgrims who came from afar to the Holy Land.

Jerusalem more than 3,500 years. In the Bible, it was first mentioned under the name Salem (Shalem)

And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued as far as Dan; And he divided himself against them by night, he and his servants, and smote them, and pursued them to Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus; 
and back all the goods and Lot, his kinsman, and his goods, and the women also, and the people. When he returned from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer and the kings that were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him in the valley of Chaves, now that the royal valley; And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine - and he was priest of God Most High ... 
Genesis 14
For a thousand years BC King David captured this Canaanite city and made ​​it the capital of Israel. His son Solomon built the first temple there. But in the 5th century BC it was destroyed by the Babylonians. After returning from the Babylonian captivity, the Jews rebuilt the Temple. He stood until 70 AD when the Romans destroyed the Temple, not only, but also the entire city.

Later built on the site of ancient Jerusalem is almost completely buried it beneath them. Modern excavations have shown that the remains of the ancient streets are at a depth of 10-15 meters.