To Sepphoris, my favourite excavation. It is only down and through the valley from Nazareth and I can easily imagine Joseph & Jesus walking down the hill and back up into Sepphoris to work as carpenters or stone masons. It was being built, this oppulent Roman city, around the time of Jesus' youth. Intricate mosaics on the floor that includes the "Mona Lisa" of the Empire. The Roman roads laid bare still show the ruts from chariots from so many years ago. If you're quiet you can here the bustling crowds in the market place...
This is the place where the Midrash was written - a commentary on the "6" books of Moses. (the extra one is to include Joshua and the division of the land between the twelve tribe.) So, many learned Jews lived there, faithful Jews who struggled to understand God's word yet on the floor of the Synagogue a mosaic of a zodiac. Pagan symbols included in a religious setting. Perhaps the first ecumenism or perhaps to appease their pagan neighbours. I wonder what people would think of me if they did an archeological dig of my home - symbols from Korea, of Hindu gods and a Buddhist singing bowl among the crosses
Up to Nazareth to the "village" which is a reconstructed setting of how Jesus lived. they have actors in costume wondering around tending the sheep and weaving the wool. Built on bedrock with little soil the story of Jesus talking about the seed that is sown on rocky soil takes on a whole new meaning.
Up to Mount Tabor the site of Jesus' Transfiguration. Along with Peter James an John Elijah and Moses descended - one representing the law and one representing the prophets. Jesus is held above them both. You can see for miles from the top of this mountain, looking over the Jezreel valley; lush and green and full of life. You can see why Jesus would go there to be closer to God...
And then onto Jordan on March 3rd. No trouble at the border but we did have to walk across with all of our luggage. Our new guide, Michael, met us on the other side and we ascended up the mountains from rocky plains to lush growth with olive & oak trees on either side. We elevated about 3000 feet (you can tell by looking at the size of my swollen ankles!) and the air was clean and bright. We arrived a Jerash, site of the largest excavated Roman city. It was one of the Decopolis and it is quite likely that Jesus was here and if not him, then surely his apostles as they spread the Good News throughout the land. A huge theatre seating 5000 people with the "sweet spot" that allows your voice to echo loudly to the crowds. The largest Roman temple was to Dianna - with the biggest pillars I've ever seen. And yet so much to still be discovered...
Amman Jordan - busy, modern and clean. About 2.2 million people live here - almost 1/3 of the population of Jordan. Our hotel at the Marriot is the definition of decadence.
On to more sites today and then to Petra to stay for two nights. I am truly blessed to be walking in the footsteps of the bible...
And as always, pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
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