15 Jan 2019
This is a beautiful park, not only for its natural beauty, but for its spiritual and historical significance. Upon on the hill are the ruins of the Temple of Pan, the ancient Greek god. The temple was built in front of a huge cave, through which an underground river runs. It was thought that the river led to Hades, the underworld, and many people were sacrificed into the river to satisfy the gods. Jesus took his disciples to this cave, a dark place where so many people had died, and spread his light of love - not human sacrifice. Jesus announced to Simon that he would henceforth be called Peter (or in Greek Petra), and upon Peter he would build his church and "the gates of Hades will not prevail against it." Matthew 16:18. How amazing that Jesus stood in front of the gate of hell, and announced the good news of a heavenly kingdom full of goodness and light. It was one of the highlights of our trip to Israel.