Footsteps of Jesus

Its focus is more devotional than the longer Palestine of Jesus course, while still covering all the major sites.

The course aims to lead its members to be struck anew by the power of Jesus’ teaching and healing ministry, to experience both the joy and the sorrow of his journey to the cross, and to encounter the risen Christ at his tomb and in breaking bread together at Emmaus.

Mini-lectures prepare course participants for site visits and explore the geographical contexts of Jesus’ ministry.  The course also integrates contextual biblical study with theological and spiritual reflection, delves into contemporary issues in Israel and Palestine, and encounters the roots and traditions of the Christian faiths of East and West.  All activities are rooted in prayer.

Content of the Course:

While the details of every programme vary depending on local circumstances and dates, the course typically visits the following places:

• The place of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem
• Jesus’ childhood home and the site of the Annunciation in Nazareth
• The site of Christ’s baptism (where there is an opportunity to renew baptismal vows)
• The Judean desert where Jesus was tempted after his baptism
• The Sea of Galilee, including Jesus “own town” (Matt. 9.1), Capernaum
• Caesarea Philippi, where Peter answered Christ’s question, “Who do you say that I am?” (Mark 8.29)
• The site of the Transfiguration on Mt. Tabor (Matt. 17.1-8)
• Bethphage, from where Jesus entered Jerusalem in triumph (Mark 11.1-10)
• The Garden of Gethsemane (Mark 14.32–49)
• The remains of the Jerusalem Temple complex from Jesus’ day, the Western Wall and the excavations south and west of the Temple retaining wall
• The Way of the Cross, Golgotha and Jesus’ tomb
• Emmaus, where Christ appeared after his resurrection (Luke 24.13-31)
• Worship with the local Anglican community