I'm digging for family gold in Jerusalem — treasure that's been rumoured about for generations, hidden somewhere under the city. The authorities are trying to discover what I'm doing, and those who want the treasure for themselves and their evil purposes are tracking me. I'm afraid of one particular man, who finds me no matter how I cover my tracks. Then, I wake up and realize that it's a dream, probably fueled by my recent trip to Israel, where we explored the Western Wall excavations, and by my interest in the ongoing archaeological discoveries in Israel.

But there really is treasure hidden in Jerusalem and throughout Israel, just not what I was looking for in my dream. One kind is the archaeological support for events in the Bible. Visitors can slosh through Hezekiah's tunnel, descend multiple stairs to the Gihon Springs where Solomon was anointed as king, and investigate the tunnels under Jerusalem's streets to see the foundations of the Western Wall that was built during King Herod's time — and used during Jesus' lifetime. Soon, it will be possible for visitors to climb the Herodian Pilgrimage Road that led to the Temple.

But more importantly, there is evidence to support events in Jesus' life that we read about in the New Testament, and every archaeological find is on the side of Scripture, not skeptics. For instance, visitors can stand on the 200-foot-wide Southern Stairs, in the Archaeological Park near the Temple Mount. These stairs led to the gates that pilgrims used to enter the Temple during Jesus' lifetime. Some think that this is also the area where Jesus used a whip to clear out the merchants and money changers (John 2:13-22). In the Galilee region, excavated cities like Capernaum and Magdala validate New Testament accounts of Jesus' ministry as He healed many and taught in the synagogues.

But no archaeological discovery can unearth a treasure bigger than what believers have known for 2,000 years: long ago, God chose to send His Son Jesus to the tiny land of Israel to die on the cross for our sins. Jesus took the penalty for our sins, then rose from the grave to sit at the right hand of God, interceding for us. "For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." (2 Corinthians 5:21 ESV) And Jesus said, "Whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life." (John 5:24a ESV)

Having Jesus is our greatest treasure. He loved us so much that He gave His life for us. How should we respond to that? "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." (John 15:12 ESV) This may be costly in time, effort, and emotions, but it will change us and make us more like Christ.

Prayer: Father, thank You for the archaeologists who dedicate their lives to excavating in Israel to find evidence of Bible events, people, and places. But all that pales in the light of the tremendous gift that You gave us in sending Your Son to earth as a sacrifice for our sins. We praise You and glorify Your name. Amen.

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About the author:

Sharon Cook <craftercook@gmail.com>
Apache Junction, Arizona, USA
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