The Garden Tomb

One of the more emotional days for me was when we visited the Garden Tomb. When we first arrived on site, a nice man from Holland greeted us and started the tour. We first went to the part of a cliff that looks like a skull. Time has eroded it some, but it still has two eye sockets and a place for the nose. Though they can't be certain, this has traditionally become the place that they think is referred to as "the place of the skull."

The tomb that they say Jesus was buried in was discovered by General Gordon. (It is also known as Gordon's Tomb.) The reasoning behind why they think Jesus may have been in this tomb is first of all, it was EMPTY and unfinished (the Bible mentions it being unfinished.) Second, it was found by a winepress and cistern within a garden. Why would these be in a garden? They think it belonged to a rich man, possibly Joseph of Arimithea who was the one who wanted to take Jesus' body and bury him in his tomb. They say that this is probably Joseph's garden. Though many in our group were very skeptical, all that matters to me is that the tomb (wherever in fact it was) was EMPTY. Sometimes people need a symbol, need something tangible to hold on to-- and though not everyone needs that-- the important thing is the faith behind it.

The people who have kept up the garden have done a marvelous job. Flowers are blooming everywhere and all I could think of was my mom. I know that she would have explored every petal of every flower there! :-) I, usually unobservant, couldn't help but think how much fun God must have had creating so many unique bouquets! They had sitting areas where groups of people could sit and have their own time. We sang a few songs about Jesus' resurrection and around us we heard familiar songs in different languages. I heard a group of French people singing, "Because He Lives." Though I couldn't understand the words, the music and the message was so familiar. Tears streamed down my face as I realized that everyone needs a Savior. There were many Nigerian groups there in elaborate, colorful costumes and groups of friends who had made the journey together. From all walks of life, we came together for the same reason-- because he lives.