Walking in the Steps of Jesus: A Journey Through Israel
Okay, I’m not even sure where to start journey through Israel because it was hands-down one of the most incredible trips I’ve ever taken. It was like walking right through the pages of the Bible – not even kidding! To be able to connect everything I’ve learned in my Christian school to the actual places where Jesus was and lived was so surreal. It felt like I finally understood the stories in a whole new way.
How It All Started – A Journey to Israel
So, we were coming from Jordan, and we crossed the border into Israel on foot. I mean, I’ve never done that before! It was super cool, even though the border guards were strict about photos (which, I get, safety and all that). But honestly, crossing the border on foot was a smooth process, and I’d totally recommend it if you’re ever in that part of the world.
Once we made it into Israel, we headed straight to Jerusalem and stayed at the King David Hotel – one of the most famous hotels in the city. It’s like the hotel that celebrities and royals from all over the world have stayed at (I’m talking Stephen Hawking, Robert De Niro, and actual royalty). The best part? There’s this hallway where they have signatures on the floor of all the famous people who’ve been there. You can actually walk on their signatures – how cool is that?
Another fun thing I learned? This hotel is kosher, meaning they follow Jewish dietary rules, and we got to experience Sabbath! It was such a new experience for me, like the automatic doors were shut down, and cooking was off-limits. So, no hot eggs at breakfast – but there were tons of pastries, fruit, and all the simple things to munch on. It was pretty cool to experience a different rhythm of life.
Understanding Sabbath
Okay, so Shabbat is a big deal in Jewish culture, and experiencing it in Israel was super eye-opening. It starts Friday evening and goes until Saturday evening, and it’s all about resting – like, truly disconnecting from work, school, and yes, for us teens, our phones and iPads, to focus on family and faith.
In Jerusalem, you can feel when Shabbat begins. The streets quiet down, businesses close, and even the elevators stop at every floor. It’s like time just slows down for 24 hours. Even the automatic doors at our hotel shut off – we had to go through the side door, and honestly, it felt oddly peaceful.
What’s cool is how Shabbat brings families together. They light candles, say prayers, and share meals without distractions. It made me realize how easy it is to get caught up in everything, and how important it is to take time to slow down and be with the ones you love.
Following Jesus’ Path in Jerusalem
The first day of exploring Jerusalem was unreal! We had a guide named Eric, who was so knowledgeable about both Jewish and Christian culture. We visited all these amazing places, like the Mount of Olives, the Gardens of Gethsemane, and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. But one of the most amazing parts of the journey was literally walking the exact path that Jesus took through the streets of Jerusalem.
We followed the Via Dolorosa, the “Way of Sorrows,” which is the path that Jesus walked carrying His cross to His crucifixion. Along this path, there are markers that mark the specific stops Jesus made. Each stop represents a moment of His journey, from when He fell, to when He met His mother, and even when He was helped by Simon of Cyrene. As we walked, I couldn’t help but feel this overwhelming sense of reverence. It’s impossible to not feel God’s presence when you’re there – it’s like He’s right beside you in the streets. Every step felt sacred, like I was connecting with history in a way that you just can’t in a classroom.
One of the most powerful moments was when we reached the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, where it’s traditionally believed that Jesus was both crucified and buried. Standing there, touching the stone, and reflecting on everything I’d learned – it was so emotional. It wasn’t just about history; it was about faith, and it truly made everything feel real. That church has been standing for over 1,700 years and is one of the most sacred places for Christians. I got to touch the stone that marks where Jesus’ body was laid – and yeah, it was one of those moments that you just feel in your soul.
The historical importance of Jerusalem can’t be overstated. Jerusalem is one of the oldest cities in the world, with a history that spans over 3,000 years. It’s significant not only for Christians but also for Jews and Muslims. The city is a crossroads of three major world religions, and each one holds different sacred sites here. The Western Wall, for instance, is the holiest site in Judaism, while the Al-Aqsa Mosque is one of Islam’s holiest locations.
Food Tour Fun
Okay, let’s talk about food because… I’m Harper, and you KNOW I’m gonna make food a priority on any trip. (Sorry, not sorry.) We always do a food tour when we travel somewhere new, especially if we don’t know the language or the food options. That way, we can dive straight in, try a bunch of new things, and learn what we really like!
Israel is a foodie’s dream. We tried so many different dishes, including hummus, halva, and potato pizza (trust me, it’s AMAZING). But my favorite new thing? Knafeh! At first, I was skeptical – it looks like a pancake with pistachios and, weirdly, shredded chicken. But hold up – it’s not chicken! It’s actually this awesome dessert, and you have to try it if you ever go!
Food in Israel is deeply influenced by the Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Jewish culinary traditions. Israel’s cuisine reflects its diverse population – Jews, Arabs, and others have all contributed to its vibrant food culture. One of the most popular dishes is falafel, which is made from ground chickpeas and spices, then deep-fried into crispy balls. You can find it everywhere, from street vendors to high-end restaurants.
And let’s not forget hummus, the creamy, garlicky dip made from chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, and lemon juice. Israel claims to have the best hummus in the world, and after tasting it fresh in the local markets, I have to say – I get it. You can also find halva, a sweet treat made from sesame paste and sugar, which has been enjoyed in the region for centuries!
Training with the IDF
Okay, brace yourselves, because day two was an absolute wild ride. We got to train with the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) at their counter-terrorism academy, Caliber 3. Honestly, when I first heard about it, I thought, “Wait, is this real?” But it turned out to be one of the coolest things I’ve ever done.
The first thing we did was go through a mock terrorist attack scenario. I mean, I’ve seen this stuff in movies, but this was next-level. We learned how the IDF handles an emergency situation, and then they actually put us in one. I was nervous, but also kind of excited. We had to stay calm and remember everything we learned during the mock attack, and let me tell you, it was way harder than I thought! Afterward, they quizzed us, and I realized how little I remembered (spoiler alert: I totally didn’t pass the test). Apparently, less than 20% of people can stay calm and recall everything in a stressful situation. But hey, at least we gave it our best shot!
But the most mind-blowing part? The dogs. These dogs are straight-up superheroes. They’re trained to detect threats, and they’re so smart that they only attack if they sense a real danger. They can tell the difference between someone just walking around and someone who might be carrying a weapon. It was like watching a movie, except it was happening right in front of me. These dogs are no joke!
I wasn’t old enough to shoot a real gun (super bummed about that), but I did get to participate in drills using a BB gun. Picture this: spinning around in circles, doing push-ups, and then trying to shoot a balloon. It was crazy, but also so much fun! The challenge was to see if we could get ourselves together enough to aim properly and hit the target, even after all that physical activity. Spoiler: I hit the balloon once… but it took me a couple of tries!
The whole experience was a total eye-opener about how serious the IDF takes security. They train hard, and their level of preparedness is next level. Israel’s security situation is tough, but these guys are ready for anything. The military service is mandatory for both men and women in Israel, and you can tell they take it seriously. It was inspiring to see how dedicated they are to protecting their people.
Honestly, this training gave me a new level of respect for the IDF and the work they do to keep Israel safe. And yes, it was intense, but it was also an experience I’ll never forget.
A Visit to Bethlehem – Feeling Unsettled
The next stop was Bethlehem, where Jesus was born – the ultimate full-circle moment! I’ve been walking in Jesus’ footsteps in Jerusalem, and now I was standing where He came into the world. But it wasn’t exactly what I expected.
We had to switch drivers when we crossed the border into Bethlehem because Israelis aren’t allowed to enter Palestinian territories. There was this huge sign saying it’s dangerous for Israelis to go in. It felt so wrong to be in the land where Jesus was born and realize that, even there, there’s division. Jesus’ whole message was about love and peace, and yet, standing there, I realized how much work the world has to do.
When we got to the Church of the Nativity, there were tons of people waiting to get in, and it turned into a bit of a mess. People were pushing and shoving, and it honestly made me kind of uncomfortable. I kept thinking, This is not what Jesus would want. It was a moment that was bittersweet for me. I had my moment touching the stone where He was born, but it didn’t feel peaceful like I expected.
Then, just after we left Jerusalem and returned home, we learned that the city was bombed. It’s a reminder that even in the places of peace and reflection, there is still tension and conflict in the world. I feel so lucky to have experienced Israel when I did, and my heart goes out to everyone in the region.
Final Thoughts: The Peace of Israel
Israel is a land of contrasts. There’s so much history, beauty, and even tension. Despite all that, though, I never felt unsafe. Everywhere I went, people were kind, welcoming, and happy to share their culture with us. It was one of those places where I felt like time kind of stands still, and you’re just surrounded by this overwhelming sense of history and spirit.
I’m so grateful to have been able to experience Israel and its incredible people, history, and culture. I’ve never felt closer to God than I did while I was there. And I know, for sure, I’ll be back someday.
Travel really does bring history to life. I never would’ve understood the significance of these places until I experienced them firsthand. Israel will always have a special place in my heart, and I know that if you get the chance to go, it will for you too.
Until next time – dreaming of my next adventure!
— Harper
Fun Facts About Israel:
- Israel’s climate is diverse – You can experience desert heat in the south and snowy winters in the north!
- The Dead Sea is the lowest point on Earth! The water’s salt concentration is so high, you float like you’re on air.
- Hebrew and Arabic are the official languages, but you’ll also hear a lot of English in tourist areas.
- Israel is one of the oldest countries in the world with a rich, multi-millennial history!
- The Church of the Nativity is one of the oldest continuously operating churches in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
