Pursuing Jesus in Israel - The Herodion, Bethlehem, The Sheepgate & 1st Century House,

 Oh no, I didn't set the alarm, and Maria called on the phone asking, "Dad, where are you?" We hurried to get ready and made the bus just in time!  We visited Herod's mountain "retreat" or "fortress." We went to Bethlehem to visit the "traditional" birthplace of Jesus and had an opportunity to worship with Michael in a chapel there. We went to a field with a sheep gate to talk about the shepherds that responded to the angels call for them to worship the baby, and finally, the first century house that was like the one Joseph, Mary and Jesus lived in when the Magi came to present their gifts.  In the evening after dinner we gathered to hear a Hebrew scribe's presentation of how precise they must be in writing the scrolls for synagogues (100%).  We are having a wonderful time and gaining lots of spiritual insights as we pursue Jesus.  Enjoy the pics....

View from Herod's Mountain Fortress 

Down Inside the Fortress

Leaving the Fortress

Bethlehem - Entering Jesus'Traditional Birthplace 

More Bethlehem 

Jesus' Traditional Birthplace 

Michael leading us in worship 



The Sheepgate 

First Century House 

Our Hebrew Scribe - Eli









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