Visit to Israel

As a Christian in ministry for many years, the life of Jesus and His earthly ministry have profoundly shaped my calling. My recent visit to Israel was therefore a deeply meaningful experience, offering the opportunity to explore places that continue to speak so powerfully to our faith.

I was grateful for the chance to walk through sites significant in the life of Jesus. There are countless historical locations to visit, each one offering a glimpse into the biblical world. Standing and looking out over the Mount of Olives reminded me afresh of the promise that Jesus is coming again.

The Temple Mount, long regarded as the centre of religious life in biblical times, remains a place of deep importance for many faiths today. Reflecting on how Judaism, Islam, and Christianity each draw on its history, and the way it shapes their future beliefs, was particularly insightful.

Being in Israel brought the Scriptures to life in a way that was uniquely moving. After arriving and spending time in Tel Aviv, we visited several key locations including Jerusalem, Nazareth, the Sea of Galilee, the Mount of Beatitudes, Capernaum, and the River Jordan.

The Tower of David, adjacent to the Jaffa Gate, was especially fascinating. Originally built in the 1st century BC by King Herod, it has been rebuilt many times throughout history. Although its association with King David’s palace remains debated, it now houses a state-of-the-art museum exhibition. The highlight was a spectacular light show, projecting the life of King David onto the tower walls with vivid imagery and sound. It was a memorable and worthwhile experience.

We also visited the Qumran caves, renowned for the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Hearing the story of how thousands of ancient fragments were painstakingly pieced together like a jigsaw puzzle was captivating. These discoveries have given us access to Hebrew Scriptures that are still read and cherished today.

This brought to mind the reminder from Scripture that these ancient texts continue to speak into our lives: Romans 15:4 (AMP)

“For whatever was thus written in former days was written for our instruction, that by [our steadfast and patient] endurance and the encouragement [drawn] from the Scriptures we might hold fast to and cherish hope.”

Our visit to Magdala was equally uplifting. Situated on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, Magdala is known as a crossroads of Jewish and Christian history and is recognised as the hometown of Mary Magdalene. There we saw the remains of a first-century synagogue, where the communal dimension of Jewish life was clearly visible in the design and seating. These communal elements resonate strongly with the message of shared life found throughout the Gospels.

My experience of visiting Israel will always hold a special place in my Christian journey. It has deepened my understanding of Scripture, enriched my faith, and renewed my commitment to pray continually for the peace of Jerusalem.

Revd Paul Rochester

General Secretary of the Free Churches Group