Israel Experience Bible Study
Introduction
If you’re looking to have a greater understanding of the Bible in its context, to grow closer to God, or just have a curious mind, this study is for you!
Pastor Matt shares about how studying the Bible through the lens of the Holy Land not only connects us to the past, but also helps us:
Better understand our role in the present.
See how God is on the move in our world.
Realize we are called to be part of what he is doing.
See that God is so much bigger than we make him out to be.
Ultimately, studying the Bible this way help us to connect to our faith, to Christianity, and to God in greater & deeper ways. Your faith will skyrocket as a result of witnessing the Holy Land!
Region of Galilee
1. Jordan River
The Jordan River is the site of many stories & miracles in scripture, most notably Jesus’ baptism at the start of his public ministry. Pastor Matt shares a miraculous story that took place while he was there, goes over the geography, talks about both ancient & modern baptism, and speaks to why we should be baptized as followers of Jesus.
For this study, open your Bible to:
Matthew 3:13-17
Other passages for further study:
Joshua crossing with Israelites (Joshua 3:12-16; 5:1)
Serving as the boundaries in Israel (Numbers 34:12)
Elijah’s ministry (2 Kings 2:8)
Elisha’s ministry (2 Kings 2:14; 5:10, 14)
John the Baptist’s ministry (Matthew 3:6; Mark 1:5; Luke 3:3; John 1:28)
Jesus’ baptism at the Jordan (Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-22)
Significance of water baptism (Matthew 28:19; Acts 10:47, 48; Romans 6:4)
Looking to get baptized?
2. Sea of Galilee
The Sea of Galilee, also known as Lake Tiberius, is a freshwater lake that is well known as the location of Jesus’ ministry & many miracles. Eighteen of the 33 recorded miracles of Jesus were performed in this area. It was here that he called his disciples, calmed the storm, walked on water, and restored Peter.
Pastor Matt shares about his own encounter with God while visiting this location, and how God wants to do the same in your life right where you are.
For this study, open your Bible to:
John 21:1-17
Other passages for further study:
Jesus teaching by the sea (Mark 4:1-33)
Jesus calling the disciples (Matt 4:18–22; Mark 1:16-20; Luke 5:1–11)
Jesus calming the storm (Matt 8:23–27; Mark 4:35–41; Luke 8:22–25)
Jesus walking on water (Matt 14:22-33; Mark 6:45-52; John 6:16-21)
Jesus restoring Peter (John 21:1-17)
Other names for the Sea of Galilee:
Sea of Chinnereth (Num 34:11; Josh 12:3; 13:27)
Sea of Gennesaret (Luke 5:1)
Sea of Tiberias (John 6:1; 21:1)
Sea of Galilee (Matt 4:18)
3. Capernaum
Capernaum is important for the study of the New Testament because of its central role in Jesus' ministry in and around Galilee. Many of Jesus' miracles, healings, and sermons are described by all four Gospel authors as taking place at Capernaum.
Capernaum was a small fishing village on the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus based his ministry after leaving his hometown of Nazareth. The Gospel of Matthew even calls it, “Jesus’ own city.” This was the home of Peter, Andrew, James and John, as well as the dwelling place of Matthew the tax collector.
Although Capernaum witnessed much of Jesus’ ministry, Jesus eventually cursed them for not believing in him. Today, there are only ruins left.
For this study, open your Bible to:
Mark 1:23-27
Matthew 11:21
Other passages for further study:
Jesus’ miracles in Capernaum:
Healed Jairus’ Daughter (Matt. 9:18-26; Mark 5:21-43; Luke 8:41-56)
Fed 5,000 people (Likely closer to Bethsaida, John 6)
Caught a miraculous amount of fish (John 21:4-14)
Healed a demon possessed man (Mark 1:21-28)
Healed Peter’s mother-in-law (Matt. 8:14-15)
Healed a paralytic (Matt. 9:2-8; Mark 2:1-12; Luke 7:1-10)
Healed the centurion’s servant (Matt. 8:5-13; Luke 7:1-10)
Healed the woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5:21-43)
The man with the paralyzed hand was likely also healed at Capernaum (Mark 3:1-6)
Jesus’ teachings in Capernaum:
Proclaimed Himself to be “the living bread that came down from heaven” (John 6:26–59).
Teaching on humility, stumbling blocks, relationships, and forgiveness (Matt 18)
Exorcism and healing (Matt 8:5–13; Mark 2:1–12; Matt 8:14–15; and John 4:46–54)
Jesus also predicted the ruining of the city (Matt 11:23–24; Luke 10:15)
Jesus cursed Capernaum, along with Chorazin and Bethsaida, because even after He performed miracles there, the inhabitants of these towns did not believe His message (Matt 11:21; Luke 10:13)
4. Mount of Beatitudes
The Mount of Beatitudes is believed to be the site where Jesus gave his famous Sermon on the Mount, a lengthy discourse containing the passage known as the Beatitudes (Matthew 5-7). This sermon begins with declarations by Jesus, each beginning with the phrase, “Blessed are the…” or in Latin “Beati…”. Thus, the name of this hill is derived from the Latin word, coming to us as: Beati-tudes.
You can check out the Bible series here.
You can watch The Chosen series for free here.
For this study, open your Bible to:
Matthew 5:3-12
Other passages for further study:
Jesus teaching on the mount (Matthew 5:1-8:1).
Jesus teaching by the sea (Matthew 13:1-52; Mark 4:1-33).
Jesus teaching on the plain (Luke 6:17-49).
God’s new covenant relationship with us (Hebrews 8:7-13; Ezekiel 48:35).
Jerusalem Area
5. Jerusalem
Jerusalem means, “City of Peace,” and has been the cradle of civilization for over 4,000 years. This city was given to David by God and is perhaps the most important place on earth, being the center of biblical and world history for millennia. This is the location of the God’s Holy Temple, as well as the place where Jesus died, resurrected, ascended into heaven, and will eventually return to unite his people and usher in his divine and eternal kingdom. Scripture tells us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6).
Jerusalem is the place where people come to meet with God.
For this study, open your Bible to:
Psalm 122:6
Luke 24:45-49
Other passages for further study:
Known as the ancient city of Salem (Genesis 14:18; Psalm 76:2)
Known as the ancient city of Jebus, defeated by Joshua (Joshua 10:5-23)
Fully captured by David (2 Samuel 5:6-9)
Specially chosen by God (2 Chronicles 6:6; Psalm 135:21)
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6-9)
Jesus’ ministry (Preached in: Lu 21:37, 38; Joh 18:20 // Did miracles in: Joh 4:45 // Publicly entered as king: Mt 21:9, 10 // Lamented over: Mt 23:37; Lu 19:41 // Put to death at: Lu 9:31; Ac 13:27, 29).
Salvation coming from Jerusalem to the rest of the world (Luke 24:45-49).
Holy Spirit poured out (Acts 2:1-5)
God protecting us as mountains surround Jerusalem (Psalm 125:2)
Videos to check out:
Video of the geography of Jerusalem.
Video to get your bearings on how close everything is.
6. The Western Wall
The Western Wall is part of the ancient retaining wall for the Second Temple and is the holiest site today for Jews. The Western Wall was built by King Herod in 20 B.C. as part of his expansion of the Temple enclosure, and is part of a retaining wall that enclosed the western part of the Temple Mount. Inside the Temple would be the Holy of Holies, the place where God’s personal presence dwelt.
The Temple was destroyed by the Romans in 70 A.D. Later, during the Ottoman Period (beginning in the 16th century), the wall became the Jews’ primary destination to lament the destruction of the Temple, eventually also becoming known as the “Wailing Wall.”
Today, it is the holiest place for Jews and remains a significant site for pilgrims visiting the Holy Land.
For this study, open your Bible to:
Matthew 27:50-51
Romans 8:11, 15
John 14:16-17; 16:7, 13
1 John 4:13
2 Corinthians 3:12-18
Other passages for further study:
God's personal presence dwelling with us (Eph. 1:13-14; Acts 5:32; 1 Cor. 2:10-16)
Prayer for unbelievers (Luke 19:10; John 10:10; Acts 26:17-18; Romans 1:16; 11:2, 25)
The First Temple:
Site of Abraham & Isaac on Mount Moriah (Genesis 22:1-14)
Prepared by David (1 Ch 22:2-5, 14-16; 29:2-5)
Built by Solomon (2 Ch 3:1)
The most holy place (1 Kings 6:20-28, 2 Ch 3:14)
Pillaged many times (1 Ki 14:25-26; 2 Ki 4:14; 2 Ki 16:8, 17, 18; 2 Ki 18:15-16)
Destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar (2 Kings 24:10-16, 25:8-21; 2 Ch 36:6-21; Isaiah 64:11)
The Second Temple:
Prophecy of its restoration by Cyrus (Isaiah 44:28)
Rebuilding process (Ezra 1:1-11; chapters 1-10)
Repaired & beautified by King Herod, took 46 years (John 2:20)
Jesus preached in (Luke 21:37, 38; John 18:20)
Jesus driving money changers out (Matt. 21:12, 13; Mark 11:15-17; Luke 19:45, 46; John 2:15, 16)
Jesus publicly debating the Pharisees & Sadducees (Matthew 21-23; Mark 11-12; Luke 19:28-22:2; John 2:13-25)
Veil torn at the death of Jesus (Matthew 27:50-51; Mark 15:38; Luke 23:45)
Destruction prophesied by Jesus (Matthew 24:2; Mark 13:2; Luke 21:6)
Note: Jesus’ prophecy of its destruction in 70 A.D. almost undoubtedly indicates that the gospels were written before this event took place, meaning they were written within several years of Jesus’ ministry, rather than late as critics sometimes claim.
Check out this video describing this.
Holy of Holies & Sacred Veil of the Temple:
Description & purpose (Ex 26:31-33; 36:35; 40:3; Heb 9:3)
The high priest's role (Lev 16:2-3; Heb 9:6-7)
Torn at the death of Christ (Mt 27:51; Mk 15:38; Lk 23:45)
Significance in Christ (Heb 9:8, 24; 10:19, 20; Isa 53:2)
7. St. Peter in Gallicantu
This church stands on the location of Caiaphas’ House, the High Priest at the time of Jesus, and commemorates where Peter denied Christ. The word “Gallicantu” comes from the Latin for, “cock’s crow.” Beneath this church is a series of carved out chambers where prisoners were kept during the Second Temple Period, which strongly suggests that Jesus himself was detained here in one of them on the night of his arrest. One of these caverns has earned the name, “The Sacred Pit.”
For this study, open your Bible to:
Matthew 26:69-75
Psalm 88
Other passages for further study:
The plot to kill Jesus at Caiaphas’ palace (Matthew 26:1-4)
Jesus’ arrest & trial before the Jewish Sanhedrin (Matthew 26:47-68; Mark 14:50-65)
Peter’s denial of Christ (Matthew 26:69-75; Mark 14:66-72)
Jesus’ restoration of Peter (John 21)
Peter’s transformation and letter to the churches (2 Peter 3:14-15a)
Christ’s willingness to endure the cross (Philippians 2:5-11; Hebrews 12:1-3)
Other resources:
Read more about the church here.
8. The Garden Tomb
The Garden Tomb is one of the possible locations of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection from the dead. It’s powerful to witness this place in person as you reflect on what took place here. It closely matches the description of the tomb in the Gospel of John, and the discovery of both an ancient winepress & a large water cistern indicate that this area was used as a garden.
Today it is beautifully maintained by The Garden Tomb Association of London and remains a place of reflection, prayer, hope, reverence and faith. Whether or not it took place at this exact location, the empty tomb is proof of God’s authority over death, hell and the grave. As we reflect on what took place here, we can be assured that Jesus is alive! Because of the resurrection of Jesus, God’s power and presence is not limited to any time or place. He has given us new life, and has proven it through his resurrection from the dead.
For this study, open your Bible to:
John 19:41-42
Psalm 118:17
Other passages for further study:
Jesus predicting His death & resurrection:
First time (Matthew 16:21-23; Mark 8:31-33; Luke 9:21-22)
Second time (Matthew 17:22-23; Mark 9:30-32; Luke 9:43-45)
Third time (Matthew 20:17-19; Mark 10:32-34; Luke 18:31-34)
Additional (Matthew 26:32; John 12:27-36)
Jesus’ crucifixion & burial (Matthew 27:33-66; Mark 15:22-47; Luke 23:26-56; John 19:16-42)
Jesus’ resurrection from the dead (Matthew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20, 21)
Jesus says that He is the resurrection & the life (John 11:25-26)
The resurrection is the absolute center & cornerstone of our faith (1 Corinthians 15:1-28)
The Holy Spirit now dwells in & empowers us (Romans 8:11)
Scriptural description of the tomb:
Crucified at Golgotha outside the city, crowds observing (Matt. 27:33-44, 47, 55-56; Mark 15:22-32, 40-41; Luke 23:33-38, 47-49, John 19:17-20)
Buried quickly because of the Sabbath (Matt. 27:62; Mark 15:42; Luke 23:54, 56; John 19:31, 42; 20:1)
Taken to a garden (John 19:41)
Laid in Joseph of Arimathea’s newly hewn tomb (Matt. 27:57-61; Mark 15:42-47; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:38-42)
Massive rolling rock that sealed the tomb (Matt. 27:60; 28:2; Mark 15:46; 16:4; Luke 24:2; John 20:1)
Had to stoop to look inside (Luke 24:12; John 20:5)
Grave clothes and head cloth left on bench (Matt. 27:59; Mark 15:46; Luke 23:53; 24:12; John 19:40; 20:5-7, 11-12)
Other resources:
9. The City of David
The City of David is the oldest part of Jerusalem that David first conquered and established as the center of God’s Kingdom over 3000 years ago. Today, there is an archaeological park where continuous discoveries are made that confirm the biblical narratives. This is one of the strongest physical connections there are to the Bible today.
At this site, countless personal seals have been found which were used for signing letters and documents bearing the names of their owners, many of them being people mentioned in the Bible. In 2005, the Palace of King David was discovered, not only reaffirming his existence, but also confirming his scriptural depiction.
For this study, open your Bible to:
2 Samuel 5:6-12
Joshua 9:1-2
Judges 1:8, 21
Other passages for further study:
Canaanite region banning together against Joshua & Israel (Joshua 9:1-2)
Israelites failing to drive the people out (Judges 1:8, 21)
David’s capture of Jerusalem from the Jebusites (2 Samuel 5:6-10)
King Hiram’s renovation of David’s palace (2 Samuel 5:11-12)
Fate of the Jebusites during Solomon’s rule (1 Kings 9:20-21)
Other significant discoveries confirming David’s biblical description:
Tel-Dan Stele (1993) – 2 Samuel 3:1
King David’s Palace (2005) – 2 Samuel 5:9
Goliath Ostracon (2005) – 1 Samuel 17:4
Elah Fortress (2007) – 1 Samuel 17:52
Other resources:
Further reading on King David’s Palace.
Further reading on Did David & Solomon actually exist?
10. The Pilgrim’s Road & Southern Steps
The Pilgrim’s Road led from the Pool of Siloam all the way to the Southern Steps, where Peter gave his famous Pentecost sermon as people approached the Temple to come near to God. These steps are part of a live archaeological dig and were discovered almost by accident. During New Testament times, people came to the Jerusalem Temple from all over the world to connect with God; yet it was Jesus’ death & resurrection that made it possible for all people to have the personal presence of God dwell within them.
After The Holy Spirit was poured out on Jesus’ disciples, they were emboldened with supernatural faith & power to preach this Good News. Many believe it took place at the Southern Steps, the main entrance to the Temple, while tens of thousands were present to hear them preach and place their faith in Jesus the Messiah. This same Holy Spirit is available for all who believe (Acts 2:39), including you!
For this study, open your Bible to:
Nehemiah 3:15
John 9:7
Isaiah 56:7
Acts 2:22-42
Other passages for further study:
Southern Steps:
Jesus publicly declaring Himself as:
The new temple (John 2:19-22)
The living water (John 7:37-39)
The light of the world (John 8:12; 9:5)
Jesus publicly debating the Pharisees & Sadducees (Matthew 21-23; Mark 11-12; Luke 19:28-22:2; John 2:13-25)
Holy Spirit poured out at the Upper Room on Pentecost (Acts 1:12-15; 2:1-4)
Peter’s Pentecost Sermon (Acts 2:14-36)
Temple mikvehs repurposed for baptism in Jesus’ name (Acts 2:37-41)
Disciples & religious leaders at the Temple (Acts 2-5)
Pilgrim’s Road & Pool of Siloam:
King Hezekiah’s men diverting the Gihon Spring (2 Chronicles 32:2-4)
Nehemiah’s men repairing the pool & surrounding area (Nehemiah 3:15)
God’s house to be a place of prayer for all nations (Isaiah 56:6-8)
Jesus quoting this verse to the money changers in the Temple (Matthew 21:13; Mark 11:17; Luke 19:46)
Jesus heals the blind man, tells him to wash at the Pool of Siloam (John 9)
Jesus teaching to beware the light in you isn’t actually darkness (Matthew 6:23; Luke 11:35; Proverbs 30:12)
Other resources:
More reading on the Southern Steps & Pentecost sermon.
Reflections
God’s Kingdom is on the move. Through His Spirit, Jesus invites you and I to be part of it, regardless of our stage in life. What is God moving you to do now?