A Sabbath day’s journey

“Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mountain called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away.” (1) The disciples returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives. (2) “A Sabbath day’s journey” refers to the distance permitted to be traveled on the Sabbath. According to Jewish Oral Law, based on Joshua 3:4, about 2,000 cubits is the distance allowed to be traveled on the Sabbath. It says, “However, there shall be a distance between you and it of about two thousand cubits by measurement. Do not come near it…” (3) This distance is less than 900 meters (about half mile). In other words, they traveled a short distance. Luke included this information for the benefit of his Gentile readers. We must pay attention to the disciples’ faithful attitude. They returned to Jerusalem and stayed there as Jesus had commanded. Despite Jerusalem being a dangerous place for the disciples, they returned there. From this, we can learn a lesson. The place within God’s plan is the safest place to be.

The significance of Jerusalem

Let’s take a moment to review the importance of Jerusalem. (1) In the time of Abraham, it was called Salem (Gen. 14:18). (2) Here, Abraham offered Isaac (Mount Moriah, Gen. 22). (3) David conquered the Jebusites and made it the capital of Israel. Since then, Jerusalem has been the spiritual, mental, cultural, political, economic, and military center for the Jews. (4) David brought the Ark of the Covenant here (2 Sam. 6:12), and Solomon built the temple. (5) Jews have traditionally regarded Jerusalem as the “navel (center)” of the world (Ezek. 5:5). (6) The city and temple were destroyed by the Babylonian army in 586 BC. (7) After the return from Babylon (end of the 6th century BC), the Second Temple was constructed. (8) About 500 years later, Herod the Great expanded the Second Temple. Jerusalem was rebuilt as one of the foremost cities in the Roman world. (9) Jesus died, was resurrected, and ascended in this city. (10) After Pentecost, the apostles made it their base for evangelism. (11) Jesus will return to this city, and it will become the capital of the Millennial Kingdom. (12) Gentiles will come up to Jerusalem for worship. The significance of Jerusalem remains unchanged. Let us view the entirety of God’s plan with Jerusalem in the center. By doing so, we may begin to understand the nature of the time in which we live.