He Is Risen

Jon and I had the amazing opportunity to go to Jerusalem last February as we were visiting friends in Jordan. We were only there for one day, but it was a day we will not soon forget. Our friends couldn't come with us, so we hired a guide who gave us a personalized tour of the city. We learned a lot and saw the sights that we have always read about. It seems like a dream that we were ever really there, but every once in awhile we are reminded...

As I was reading the article "The Purifying Power of Gethsemane" by Bruce R. McConkie in this last Ensign I was again brought back to our experience in Jerusalem. More specifically, in reading his testimony I was taken back to the Garden Tomb and the sign on the door... "He is not here- For He is Risen". Many people go to Jerusalem expecting to gain a testimony, but that didn't happen for us; we went with a testimony. Everything we saw just confirmed what we already knew. But as much as I try, my words just don't say it right, so here are Elder McConkie's words:

"I feel, and the Spirit seems to accord, that the most important doctrine I can declare, and the most powerful testimony I can bear, is of the atoning sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ.

And now, as pertaining to this perfect Atonement, wrought by the shedding of the blood of God—I testify that it took place in Gethsemane and at Golgotha, and as pertaining to Jesus Christ, I testify that He is the Son of the living God and was crucified for the sins of the world. He is our Lord, our God, and our King. This I know of myself, independent of any other person.

I am one of His witnesses, and in a coming day I shall feel the nail marks in His hands and in His feet and shall wet His feet with my tears. But I shall not know any better then than I know now that He is God’s Almighty Son, that He is our Savior and Redeemer, and that salvation comes in and through His atoning blood and in no other way."

We did not know any better as we were standing in Gesthemane, or the Garden Tomb, than we knew before, that Jesus is the Christ. For our new Easter decoration for the year I put together the picture above to remember the real reason for the season. Most of the pictures were taken by us on that amazing day in Jerusalem. As we walked from site to site we were surprised at how close everything was. From Gethsemane to Golgatha is about 1 mile, and in this picture 10 inches.

Gethsemane was one of our first stops, and my favorite. As soon as we walked into the garden I was overcome with emotion. I couldn't put words to it then because there was so much to take in. But I know that the emotion I was overcome with was gratitude for what Christ did for us in that very garden. I have no concept of how much he had to endure, but I know part of it was for me. Next to the garden is a church called the "Church of All Nations". No talking is allowed inside which was a perfect place for the Spirit to talk to me and help me understand the magnitude of what happened there. Christ took the sins of the world upon him, and "he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.". (Isaiah 53:5)

We next went across the valley to the church of St. Peter in Gallicantu. This is where Christ was taken, the high priest's house, and denied by Peter. Outside there are old worn stairs that lead from the valley into the city. These stairs are called the Mercy Steps, they are the steps that Jesus was lead up as a prisoner to meet his judgment and eventual death. He was lead through the city where he met with Pilate and other officials. Where he was beaten and given a cross to carry to the place where he would die.

Golgatha stands on the opposite side of the city. Outside the walls of Jerusalem, and now close to a bus station. This is where a cross was hung, bearing Jesus Christ, King of the Jews. It is also where he gave up the ghost completing the painful part of the atonement. In the rock you can see the face of a man which is why it is called the place of the skull.

Just around the corner, it seemed like less than 100 yards away, lays an empty tomb. Once owned by Joseph of Arimathea, and once occupied briefly by Jesus Christ. I was shocked at how close the tomb was to Golgatha. Also how close two major events of the Atonement happened. One being so sad, and one being SO triumphant. The garden is run by an Christian association, because of this our personal guide stayed outside the walls and we were put into a group of other tourists. Luckily for me we were placed with a Southern Baptist guide with a group of that included many Baptists. (This reminded me of my mission and how much people get excited about Christ). As we were all going in and out of the tomb this group of Christians broke out into song. I remember just smiling! Not only because of how Southern it seemed to me, but because they were singing the truth "Angels came down from glory, and rolled the stone away!" I was happy because I KNOW that Christ did not stay in that tomb very long. He rose that 3rd day to complete with glory the Atonement that saves us all.

We were lucky enough to go to Jerusalem and see with our own eyes the Holy Land. We walked where Christ and so many prophets have walked. But we didn't know any better then. We have always known. And with this Easter season I hope you KNOW, and REMEMBER all that Christ has done for you.

If you would like this picture, please take it, or I'll e-mail you the attachment. I would love to share my joy of Easter with you.