One of the most amazing aspects of my trip to Israel was the way in which our small group—many of us complete strangers when the tour began—swiftly became a caring community. I was privileged to be part of it, and it was encouraging in a time when division and hate so often grab the headlines.
The above photo shows a member of our tour group on the Teaching Steps leading up to the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. It’s almost certain that Jesus stood here, preaching to the crowds as they came and went from the Temple. It seemed like almost everywhere we went in the Holy Land, we were either climbing up or down. I guess that’s what happens in a narrow country with mountains running down the middle! We discovered that on ancient staircases, the height and depth of the steps are not standardized. We learned that the smooth stone sidewalks on the Mt. of Olives are not only steep but also slippery when it rains. Several people were dealing with vision problems, bad knees, or an injury. Without fail, we helped one another, often extending a steadying hand.
Steep paths were not the only place where assistance was needed. One day I wanted to buy something, but the merchant only took cash and I didn’t have enough. Someone loaned me the needed amount before I even asked. Another member of our group has a fear of heights. Riding the cable car up to the top of Masada, we circled around her, giving emotional support and also blocking the frightening view.
As I watched the members of our little group taking care of each other, these words from Ecclesiastes came to mind:
Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their labor:
If either of them falls down,
one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
and has no one to help them up.
(Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 New International Version)
