We have an hour bus ride, so it's a perfect time to recap our morning thus far!
Today we journeyed into the desert. As soon as we traveled outside of Jerusalem, the geography changed dramatically. From the somewhat fertile land of Jerusalem, we were greeted by the harsh, arid desert of Jericho. After traveling up the mountain, we then went beneath sea level and arrived in Jericho. It was 9am and scorching hot. The long drive from Jerusalem to Jericho to visit the mountain on which Satan tempted Jesus when he was in the desert for 40 days and the harsh change in weather only further solidified the challenge it must have been for Jesus to make this journey.
While in Jericho, we rode a cable car up to the top of the mountain. We then trekked up stairs to the monastery built upon the rock which Satan tempted Jesus after fasting for 40 days. The Greek Orthodox monastery is home to one remaining monk. The monastery has beautiful icons in it and the stone on which Jesus was tempted. Here, we spent time reflecting on where the space in our life is that we don't trust God. Christ's power is made perfect in our weakness, and so we can lean on Him to strengthen us when we are tempted not to trust God.
After visiting Temptation Rock, we visited the Jordan River. Here, prior to Jesus spending 40 days in the desert and being tempted by Satan, we were able to visit and bathe in the place where St John the Baptist baptized Jesus. We renewed our baptismal promises as we reflected on God delighting in us as his children and desiring for us to have fullness of life in Him! How beautiful it was to wash in these waters made Holy by Christ's presence! A white dove even appeared above us as we began to wash in the water!
Site of Jesus' baptism in the Jordan River
Megan and I in the waters of the River Jordan
We are now headed to Samaria to Jacob's Well- the place Jesus met the Samaritan woman. More to come...
Blessings,
Julie
What an amazing day.
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