We spent the morning at the Garden Tomb, where hundreds of us gathered in the beautiful gardens that surround the ancient tomb. Chuck Swindoll led us in a communion service.

The tomb itself is not the tomb of Jesus, but the location gives the best place in Jerusalem to contemplate the resurrection of Jesus.

(Photo: The Garden Tomb)

In my many visits to the Garden Tomb through the years, I have only had one guide tell me the tomb was the tomb of Jesus—and that visit was back in 2000. Since then, each guide has expressed that the Association makes no official claim that the tomb represents that of the resurrection of Jesus.

“The important thing is,” they always point out, “the tomb is empty.” I couldn’t agree more.

There is no better oasis in Jerusalem than the Garden Tomb to contemplate the central truth of Christianity’s faith—the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

(Photo: Sign on the door of the Garden Tomb)

Continue Your Tour!

Learn more about each of these sites we saw in Jerusalem, including devotionals for each one, by exploring these links:

• The Garden Tomb— Contemplating the Resurrection of Jesus
• The Hinnom Valley—Redeemed Just Like You
• Good Friday Gives Your Shame a Choice
• Hope from the Upper Room and David’s Tomb
• The 4 Quarters of Jerusalem United One Day?

See My Pictures from the Tour—and on the Map!

Check out my pictures of our tour. I’m adding to the collection daily, so be sure and check each day’s post. Click the locations on the map below to see pictures from that site.

(Can’t see my pics? Just click here and select a post.)