Why Visit the Holy Land?

Why Visit Israel?

Does a visit to the Holy Land benefit pastor and congregation?

Taking our Western eyes to the East is eye-opening. Comparing Middle Eastern countries, Israel is the most influenced by Western thought and lifestyle. Yet, seeing the nuances of the area where Jesus spent his time can deepen our understanding of his teachings. Being in Israel allows visitors to understand differences in terms and experience.

The Benefits of a Visit to Israel

For instance, in Exodus 10:4-5 ESV, God says to Pharoah through Moses, “For if you refuse to let my people go, behold, tomorrow I will bring locusts into your country, and they shall cover the face of the land, so that no one can see the land. And they shall eat what is left to you after the hail, and they shall eat every tree of yours that grows in the field.”

Later, John 1:6 says, “Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey.” Commonly, readers assume the Old Testament and New Testament verses are terms for the same bug. But are they?

Experiencing the Holy Land as a Pastor

As recorded in Exodus, God sent ten plagues on the land of Egypt where the Israelites were enslaved. The eighth plague, these locusts are various species of short-horned grasshoppers in the Acrididae family that have a swarming phase. 

However, according to Dr. Sarale Oren of Neot Kedumim Biblical Reserve, John’s Gospel refers to locust beans, also known as Carob pods. Sometimes called locust akris, the carob tree’s pods are arc-shaped and cluster on the tree similar to how locusts look when they swarm. Known as St. John’s Bread, these carob husks were what the prodigal son fed to the swine when he came to his senses. “And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything,” Luke 15:16.

Additionally, the modern carat system began with the carob seed. Early gem traders used the small, uniform seeds as counterweights in balance scales. The carat is the same gram weight in every corner of the world. Shoe sizes were determined by the number of seeds laid from heel to toe to equal the length of the foot.

How Visiting Israel Enhances Spiritual Understanding

Traveling to Israel offers first-hand experience. The Church of Gethsemane, also known as the Church of All Nations or the Basilica of the Agony, is a Catholic church located next to the Garden of Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives in East Jerusalem. The Kidron Valley lay between the bedrock where Jesus is said to have prayed before his arrest and the city where the soldiers would have come for him. Mark 14:41-42 describes Jesus saying to Peter, James, and John, “the hour has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.”

To Westerners familiar with the spectacular size of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the San Joaquin Valley, the Kidron Valley resembles more of a ditch or a crevice in the landscape. Jesus would have been able to see and hear the group as they made the approximately one-hour trek from the city, through the valley, and up the other side to the garden of Gethsemane. Despite the illuminations of their torches and the sound of their approach, Jesus chose to stay.

Uncovering Biblical Insights in Israel

Tourists who travel to the Holy Land often describe the experience as feeling like they have come home. Professional guides take guests to see important sites. Volunteers can participate in an archeological dig, nurture agriculture, or pick fruits and vegetables at a kibbutz.

With tourists choosing alternative destinations, currently there are no crowds. While opposing groups work through issues, no one targets tourists or tourist sites. When considering a trip, contact Israel’s Ministry of Tourism about conditions. “We closely monitor the situation,” assured Matthew Ryan Tally, PR Director of the Midwest Region. “The safety of citizens and guests is of the utmost importance.” For further information, contact the Israel Government Tourist Office near you.

PeggySue Wells

Bestselling author of 40 books including The Ten Best Decisions A Single Mom Can Make and The Patent, PeggySue Wells recently toured Israel. Connect with her at PeggySueWells.com and SingleMomCircle.com