Following worship at St. George's Cathedral in East Jerusalem, we set out for the Judean Wilderness. The Wilderness between Jerusalem and the Jericho/Dead Sea area can often be menacing, but not today. Winter rainfall has caused the normally brown landscape to sprout new grass. This region certainly has its own beauty.
Our first stop was Ein Gedi, the spring of the wild goat. Again, the recent rains have made the reserve alive with new growth and abounding with water. Again, what a day to visit Ein Gedi and the Dead Sea! Most days here can be so oppressive and challenging, but again not today.
We then returned north for a stop at Qumran. Here we pondered the likes of the Essenes and their potential influence on John the Baptizer and the early church.
In Jericho, we enjoyed lunch and visited what is often called Old Testament Jericho. The 10,000 year-old tower never ceases to amaze and humble me. Sadly, the site still needs attention and development.
The last stop of the day was at New Testament Jericho. The remains of Herod's Palace provided us the opportunity to discuss the life of Herod the Great. With a visit scheduled later for the Herodion, we were able to connect the death and burial of Herod.
But it was the story of Jesus' temptation in the Wilderness that dominated our thoughts in this desolate place. The setting allowed us to feel deeply the tests of One who was tested as no other.
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