In Jerusalem, queuing for the tomb

Once a Brit always a Brit.

When faced with the prospect of an Empty Tomb in Jerusalem, just like Jesus's (perhaps even Jesus's), our intrepid pilgrims did what any right thinking Englishman would do under the circumstances. They  formed an orderly queue.

This epic piece of queuing came at the end of a day in Jerusalem where we have walked the way of the cross, the Via Dolorosa, visited the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and seen other sites connected with the Last Supper, the trial and imprisonment of Christ, and his denial by Peter.

At several points we had Bible Readings and on a couple of occasions we sang. It was particularly moving to sing at the Garden Tomb at the end of our day: He is Lord, he is risen from the dead and he is Lord. Every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

Church of the Holy Sepulchre

As we walked through the hustle and bustle of Jerusalem's old city, with church bells ringing, and Muslim calls to pray being transmitted from Mosques and even relayed by loudspeaker in the marketplaces, we were reminded how Jews and Arabs, Christians, and Muslims have lived together in this small densely packed city for centuries, and still do so today.

Inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre

It was in this crowded, hectic, untidy city that Jesus walked to the cross. It was outside the city walls that he died. And it was in this city that he rose from the dead, never to die again.

Here are some further pictures of the day:

On the Via Dolorosa

Old City

 

Lunch in the old city

Peter's Denial

Our party at the Garden Tomb

At the Garden Tomb; the heart of the matter