CHURCH of THE NATIVITY1 of 3 main churches built by St. Helena in the 4th Century

CAVE of THE NATIVITYTraditional location recognized as Jesus’ birthplace

Exit Entrance

THE OLD CITY of JERUSALEMWhere Jesus’ was presented @ the Temple

LUKE 2:39-40And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew, and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon Him.

CHURCH of THE ANNUNCIATIONWhere Mary & Joseph lived, where Jesus likely grew up

CHURCH of THE ANNUNCIATIONWhere Mary & Joseph lived, where Jesus likely grew up

NAZARETH VILLAGELikely site of 1st Century Nazarene farm/vineyard Jesus’ family likely used…

LUKE 2:41-52Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when He was twelve years old, they went up according to custom. And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, but supposing Him to be in the group, they went a day's journey, but then they began to search for Him among their relatives and acquaintances, and when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for Him.

LUKE 2:41-52After three days they found Him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding, and His answers. And when His parents saw Him, they were astonished. And His mother said to Him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.”

LUKE 2:41-52And He said to them, “Why were you looking for Me? Did you not know that I must be in My Father's house?” And they did not understand the saying that He spoke to them. And He went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was submissive to them…And Jesus increased in wisdom, and in stature, and in favor with God, and man.

Tabgha Hippos

Sepphoris

Chorazin

SEPPHORISVillage Jesus’ family likely helped build…

THE MONA LISA of GALILEEOne of the most famous, artistically treasured mosaics in Israel…

SEPPHORISTheater Jesus may have helped build…

MATTHEW 3:13Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him.

JORDAN RIVERRecognized as the spot where John the Baptist baptized Jesus

Israel

Jordan

COVENANT RENEWAL BAPTISM

Jericho & The Dead Sea

St. George’s Monastery

Springs

WADI QELT

Road to St. George’s Monastery; one of Herod’s aqueducts for his pools in Jericho…

RoadAqueduct

WADI QELT

LESSONS ON COMMUNITY1. The Author of Creation Was Raised In An Extended Family * The nuclear family alone was never intended to be the sole context for our growth, and development

LESSONS ON COMMUNITY1. The Author of Creation Was Raised In An Extended Family * The nuclear family alone was never intended to be the sole context for our growth, and development

- Are you trying to go about life all on your own? Why?- Are you willing to let others help you? Why not? - Are you available to help others? Why not?

LESSONS ON COMMUNITY

2. The King of Kings Submitted Himself to Parents & Teachers * In order for us to grow in character, and competency, we have to be willing to humble ourselves as learners

1. The Author of Creation Was Raised In An Extended Family * The nuclear family alone was never intended to be the sole context for our growth, and development

LESSONS ON COMMUNITY

2. The King of Kings Submitted Himself to Parents & Teachers * In order for us to grow in character, and competency, we have to be willing to humble ourselves as learners

- Are you willing to learn from those around you?- Are you willing to learn from those who look, or think, differently than you do?- Are you willing to help teach/lead others?

1. The Author of Creation Was Raised In An Extended Family * The nuclear family alone was never intended to be the sole context for our growth, and development

LESSONS ON COMMUNITY1. The Author of Creation Was Raised In An Extended Family * The nuclear family alone was never intended to be the sole context for our growth, and development2. The King of Kings Submitted Himself to Parents & Teachers * In order for us to grow in character, and competency, we have to be willing to humble ourselves as learners3. A Fruit-Producing Life Isn’t Developed Quickly, In Isolation * Developing healthy character, and competency, takes time, and requires the context of shared life (relationships, time, etc.)