In the book of Exodus, God commands the Israelites to observe three annual pilgrimage festivals: Passover, Shavuot (Pentecost), and Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles). These festivals required the Israelites to travel to the Temple in Jerusalem to offer sacrifices and celebrate holy days.
Jesus himself made several pilgrimages to the Temple in Jerusalem, as was required by Jewish law. In addition, he used the concept of pilgrimage in his teachings, encouraging his followers to undertake a spiritual journey and seek a deeper connection with God.
Pilgrimage remains an important aspect of Christian religious practice for millions of people around the world. One of the most important Christian pilgrimage destinations is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, believed to be the site of Jesus' crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. Located in Jerusalem, it was visited by four million people in a typical year, before the onset of the pandemic.
Today, we take a break from our Easter monologues to explore ten important places related to the original Passion Week and Easter. Scriptures referenced include Mark 11:15-19; Matthew 24-25; Mark 13; Luke 21; Zechariah 9:9-10; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; and Acts 2:1-4.
In both the Old and New Testament, we see feminine imagery used to describe the love, care, and intervention of God in our lives....
In Acts 2, Peter preached the first apostolic sermon at Pentecost. Full of the Holy Spirit, he asserted three times the happiness of the...
The Apostle Paul, after completing his third missionary journey, sets out for Jerusalem despite knowing the dangers that await him. In Tyre, fellow believers...
