Biblical Sites in Israel and Their Stories

Almost all of the great biblical stories took place in a tiny sliver of real estate. Prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, Elijah, and Elisha roamed this land. Many of our favorite Bible stories, like David facing Goliath, happened here. And the most significant events of all: the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Bible is rooted in real places, real people, and real events. And when you step into these biblical places in Israel, Scripture comes alive in an entirely new way.

A Land Where Jesus Walked

Israel is the land where Jesus Christ walked. Where He taught crowds, healed the sick, and shared meals with His disciples. And while He was fully God, He was also fully man—He walked dusty streets and spoke with ordinary people here as well. 

The apostles were here too. Imagine hearing Paul’s voice echoing through a public square or witnessing Peter’s healing miracles. . .

When you visit Israel, these truths come to life in a new way.

Caesarea: A Turning Point for the Gospel

One significant biblical site in Israel is Caesarea, a city deeply tied to the expansion of the early church. More than just an ancient city, Caesarea plays a key role in the New Testament. I would say the word most closely associated with this place is “evangelism.”

It was home to Philip the Evangelist, and it became a major hub for the spread of the gospel to the Gentile world. Caesarea is also strongly connected to both Peter and Paul. It was here that Peter encountered Cornelius in Acts 10—a pivotal moment when God made it clear that salvation through Christ was not limited to the Jewish people alone.

The apostle Paul visited Caesarea multiple times, including spending two years imprisoned there. And as recorded in Acts 24, Caesarea is the place where Paul preached to Felix. 

The Mount of Olives: Jesus’ Teaching

The Mount of Olives is another biblical place in Israel. This is the site where Jesus wept over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41–44).

It was also on the Mount of Olives that Jesus taught His disciples on the end times, which we know as the Olivet Discourse (see Matthew 24, 25).

The Garden of Gethsemane: Jesus’ Surrender

At the base of the Mount of Olives lies the Garden of Gethsemane. Prior to the cross, Jesus went here. As He faced the horrors of what was to come on the cross, He prayed, “Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me” (Matthew 26:39 NKJV).

What was that cup that Jesus was recoiling from? I believe it was the cup of God’s wrath, which He would drink for all of us. The judgment of God that should have come upon me instead came on Him.

He then went on, “nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will” (Matthew 26:39 NKJV).

It is interesting that sin began in a garden. And the commitment to bear that sin was also in a garden.

In Eden, Adam sinned. In Gethsemane, Jesus conquered.

In Eden, Adam hid himself. In Gethsemane, our Lord boldly presented Himself.

In Eden, the sword was drawn. In Gethsemane, it was sheathed.

Jesus did this all for us.

Why This Matters

Why do I bring all of this up? Because I have the privilege of leading a tour of the Holy Land on April 6–15, 2027—and I want you to join me.

This is more than a trip. It’s an invitation to walk in the footsteps of our biblical figures and Christ Himself. To visit the biblical sites in Israel where Scripture unfolded. To experience the Bible in a whole new way.

And I believe that after walking these biblical places in Israel, you will never read your Bible in the same way again. Learn more about how you can join me for our Israel tour.