Wednesday, November 12^th

Day 10

We remained in Jerusalem for our final day of the “Jonathan Cahn 2025 Israel Super Tour.” It is the very city to which Jesus had purposed to go (e.g. see Luke 9:51), where he cleared the temple (Matthew 21:12-13; Mark 11:15-17; Luke 19:45-46), where He was tried (Matthew 26:57-68; Mark 14:53-65; Luke 22:54, 63-71; John 18:12-14, 19-24), tortured (Matthew 27:27-30; Mark 14:65, 15:15-20; Luke 23:11, 25; John 19:1-5), and crucified (Matthew 27:33-50; Mark 15:22-37; Luke 23:33-46; John 19:16-30).

Before getting on the bus that morning, I handed all of our shekels to our bus driver as a thank-you. He was an excellent driver, and we were intrigued to learn that despite being Muslim, he had previously joined, and fought with the IDF. I also handed Henry a nice tip in US currency. We shared a hug, and I assured him that I would be praying for God to guide and direct him on his spiritual journey.

As mentioned in the Day 2 blog-post, Jonathan Cahn had been leading two tours to Israel each year prior to the October 7, 2023 invasion by Hamas. Our tour was his first since that terrible event. On more than one occasion our tour guides had let us know how much they appreciated seeing people from the USA visiting Israel again. Henry had mentioned that based upon what he and his friends had seen on the news, they were beginning to think that most US citizens hated Israel. We assured him that, on the contrary, everyone on this trip, as well as most Christians back home, love the people of Israel, just as God does. On more than one occasion, our tour guides mentioned that they had discussed among themselves, the existence of a “sweet spirit” in our group. Indeed, many of us clearly felt God’s holy presence throughout our journey!

That final morning, our bus first brought us to what is thought to be the location of the house of Caiaphas, where our LORD was tried by the High Priest, including the courtyard where Peter denied knowing Jesus (Matthew 26:69-75; Mark 14:66-72; Luke 22:55-60; John 18:15-18, 25-27). I was struck by a life-size sculpture depicting that denial. See Peter sculpture picture below. Next, we visited the proposed sites of the garden tomb, Calvary, and Golgotha. We entered an ancient tomb built into the hillside (see Tomb photo). Also, after some introductory remarks from Henry, we listened to a recording of Rabbi Cahn’s teaching while standing in an upper room. See Upper Room picture.

Then, we drove to the Mount of Olives. We were reminded that this was the place from which Jesus came down to Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. As noted earlier, it is also where He ascended to Heaven, and it is where He will stand again at His Second Coming. See picture below of the view from the mountain. We ended the day’s tour with a special evening of worshiping God, and taking Communion. Then, we enjoyed a special time of intercessory prayer for the nations, a group anointing (see picture of the Rabbi’s hand raised), a one-on-one anointing service administered by Rabbi Cahn, and a closing time of group worship, all in preparation for our return home.

On this final occasion, our worship was observed by a drone hovering close-by overhead. I was immediately reminded of the previous evening’s worship when we were being watched by a member of the Muslim security force on the Temple Mount. As then, the drone only caused us to lift our voices and our hands higher! God soon blessed this time of worship with a double rainbow. Sadly, the “Rainbows” picture below does not quite capture that special moment.

Later, we were bussed to a “safe” neighborhood in Jerusalem to find a place to dine on our own. Many of us enjoyed a bowl of delicious lentil soup at an outdoor restaurant. See outdoor dining in Jerusalem picture below. Then, around 8:00 pm we were bussed to the Ben Gurion Airport for our 12:45 am 11-hour flight to the JFK airport in New York. Upon arriving at the airport, our entire 150 member group was sequestered while Henry and Maya spoke with airport security. Apparently, it had been a while since security had been asked to clear such a large group to board an El Al flight.

We were still sequestered when Maya and Henry headed for the exit blowing kisses our way, waving, and yelling goodbye. Despite being closely watched by airport security, half of us began loudly chanting “Henry – Henry”. The other half were chanting “Maya – Maya” just as loudly. Henry and Maya were tearing up as they turned to leave. Many of us had watery eyes as well. We had grown close during our 10 days together!

After finally clearing security, we enjoyed a four-hour layover before boarding our plane for the long flight back to JFK. As in the earlier flight to Tel Aviv, God placed a young orthodox Jewish man on a spiritual journey in the seat next to me on this return flight. I praise, and thank God that I was blessed to share with three similarly situated young Jewish men on this trip. That includes Henry, and each of my seatmates on the long El Al flights. After arriving in New York, we had a 7 hour layover before our final flight home.

A friend, and discipleship partner met us at the airport in Detroit and drove us home. Forty-two hours had passed between the time that we had awakened in Israel on Wednesday morning, and the time that we arrived home on Thursday afternoon. Shelley caught about three hours of sleep, and I got about five hours during that time-frame. It took both of us a couple of days to get back on track.

This marks the final Blog post on our amazing journey to and through Israel. I am posting this the day after Shelley and I attended our first book fair on behalf of At-Home Seminary. I am still processing that day’s events. So, please stay tuned for my next post regarding the divine appointments which God brought across our paths on that occasion. Shalom!

Copyright 2026 Rich O’Brien