Resurrection Garden

Have you ever wondered what the tomb of Jesus looked like? If you visit Resurrection Garden at Berea Bible Church, you can see a replica of a Jerusalem tomb that is based on historical and biblical evidence. Former pastor of the church, Dr. Glenn Greenwood, was inspired by his many trips to Israel and his fascination with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He wanted to share his vision with the church and the community, so he built a life-size tomb that resembles the one where Jesus was laid.

The tomb follows the Jewish burial customs of the time. It is carved out of a hillside, with a low and narrow entrance that makes people bend down to enter. A large stone, called a GOLEL, is used to seal or open the tomb by rolling it along a groove or track. This is how the Bible describes the burial of Jesus in Matthew 27:59-60 and Mark 15:46:

When Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in his new tomb which he had hewn out of the rock; and he rolled a large stone against the door of the tomb, and departed. Matthew 27:59-60

Then he bought fine linen, took Him down, and wrapped Him in the linen. And he laid Him in a tomb which had been hewn out of the rock, and rolled a stone against the door of the tomb. Mark 15:46

The interior of the tomb is spacious enough for people to sit or stand. (It measures about 16x8x6 feet) There is a chamber cut out of the rock where a body can be placed, which is about 78x25x20 inches. Some tombs also have a vaulted arch over the chamber. The size and number of chambers in a tomb depend on the family and how many people they expect to bury there.

In addition, the tomb is empty! The empty tomb indicates that Jesus is alive and there is no body there which is an essential point of the gospel message of Jesus' payment for our sins! The Gospel accounts of this are in the New Testament books of Matthew chapters 27 and 28; Mark 15 and 16; Luke 23 and 24 as well as John 19 and 20. The evidence attests that the Christian church serves a risen Savior.

Resurrection Garden is getting a makeover. The watercolor picture below by local artist Teresa Ehalt shows some of the initial ideas for the project.

People are invited to come sit, reflect, and meditate in the serenity of Resurrection Garden. Jesus told his disciples in John 14:27:

"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

May the tranquility of the garden cause all who stop by to consider the promises of Jesus Christ and to find the peace that He offers. 

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Resurrection Garden is a unique and beautiful project that brings the story of Jesus to life. By donating to this project, you are helping to share the gospel and the hope of the resurrection with many people. You can make a difference with your generous gift today. To donate, please follow these simple steps. It only takes a few minutes.

1. Click the green button below.
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4. After you log in, tap the “General Fund” option, and select Resurrection Garden Fund from the list.
5. Enter the amount you want to donate and confirm your payment.