Product Description：
SYNOPSIS
Imagine following Jesus in his ministry, listening to his teaching, and witnessing the miracles he did in the Holy Land. Join Rev Dr Lim Kar Yong in this journey through the regions of Galilee, Jerusalem, the Mount of Olives, Bethany Beyond the Jordan, and many others in a pilgrimage that follows the narrative in the Gospel of Mark. With more than 180 images and 13 maps and illustrations, readers will not only experience the sights and settings of the Holy Land, but also discover the biblical significance of these sites. Questions for reflection and prayers at the end of each chapter will help prepare readers for their own encounter with Christ.

Why This Book?
Most travel guides are written based on the sites in the Holy Land. There are good reasons for this as most sites we visit are based on their geographical location, rather than following the flow or chronological narrative in the Bible. However, as pilgrims visiting the Holy Land, it would be good for us to hear and read a particular Gospel, and let this Gospel be our guide throughout the whole journey.

In this book, we will follow the narrative in the Gospel of Mark. Of the Four Gospels, why do I choose the Gospel of Mark?

First of all, our itinerary typically begins with the visit to the Jordanian sites, including the baptismal site at Bethany Beyond the Jordan. After crossing over to Israel, we head north to visit sites around Galilee, Caesarea Philippi, and Mount Tabor before making our way south to Jerusalem and the Dead Sea where we end our pilgrimage. This itinerary follows the first half of the Gospel of Mark quite closely, where the public ministry of Jesus begins at his baptism, followed by his temptation, and ministry in the region of Galilee, Caesarea Philippi, and his transfiguration (Mark 1-9). In the second half, Mark focuses on Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem, his passion, crucifixion, death, and resurrection (Mark 10-16).

Secondly, Mark’s narrative is filled with human colour and action. He takes us into the world of the people who lived in the time of Jesus, narrates these events filled with emotions and actions, and highlights the response of the people to the message of the kingdom of God. By following the narrative in Mark, we can sense the urgency of the mission of Jesus in announcing the coming of the kingdom of God and in urging the people to repent and believe in the gospel.

Traditionally, the Gospel of Mark is connected to Peter, one of the original Twelve. His gospel is believed to contain narratives from Peter himself. By focussing on Mark, we are hearing from one of the first eyewitnesses of the ministry of Jesus.

Mark is also widely accepted as the earliest Gospel written, possibly in the late 50s CE. By reading Mark, we are hearing one of the earliest voices of the life and ministry of Jesus. We also reflect on what he is trying to convey to his original readers who were predominantly Gentile followers of Jesus in Rome going through some form of persecution and challenges. There is much we can learn from Mark as we reflect on our own journey of discipleship.

With the Gospel of Mark as the primary source for our pilgrimage, we will be able to hear its overall message and what this Gospel is trying to tell us about the life and ministry of Jesus, and what it means for us today as followers of Jesus. Therefore, let us allow Mark to be our guide as we follow in the steps of Jesus in the land he lived, walked, and taught. Let us hear the message of Jesus afresh. Let us reflect and respond to the call of Jesus bidding us to take up our cross and follow him.

While the book largely follows the narrative of Mark, sites recounted in other Gospels that are not mentioned in Mark will also be included towards the end of this book. This is because many of us will visit these sites as part of our pilgrimage.

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Endorsements 
For all Christians, a visit to the Holy Land is an added advantage to the Christian Faith. Reading about the work of the Lord Jesus from the pages of the New Testament is so different from experiencing it firsthand by seeing and visiting the holy sites our Lord had trodden on. With beautiful images of the holy sites and insightful commentary, this book is strongly recommended for reading, particularly before and after visiting the Holy Land.
The Most Rev’d Datuk Ng Moon Hing
Archbishop, Province of the Anglican Church in South East Asia
Bishop, Anglican Diocese of West Malaysia