Sometimes in the afternoon we get the opportunity to explore significant sites with one of our scholars. On Monday James Tabor led a field trip to Mount Zion where, among other things, we explored the traditional site of the Upper Room. 

Located on Mount Zion in a complex that includes the traditional site of David’s tomb and Dormition Abbey (Mary’s resting place), the Cenacle (Latin: Upper Room) is on the second floor of a building that goes back to the fourth century CE.  

The door in the background, up the steps, leads to a smaller room which is thought to be the actual site of the Upper Room.

Professor Tabor points to a stone from the Herodian period when Jesus lived that makes up the foundation of the building.  This foundation is of a synagogue we know existed in the first century. 

A small courtyard of the building contains a well, known as Mary’s Well, around which the disciples would likely have gathered to hear Jesus teach, nearby their final meal with Jesus.

This is another example of a location where we can confidently say Jesus walked, talked and dined.  Today we can be there too, separated only by time.