By Laurina Driesse and Florencia Cespedes

At the serene Garden Tomb outside Jerusalem’s Old City, Feast pilgrims gathered on the last day of the Feast for a meaningful Communion Service centred on the worthiness of Jesus. In this tranquil setting, birds could be heard chirping among the trees during the service, while a gentle drizzle of rain settled over the peaceful garden at the end of the first service.

A Fijian a cappella choir and worship leader, Vaso Vreshtulla, led pilgrims into an atmosphere of worship. Local Israeli Arab pastor Saleem Shalash and Jewish pastor Ariel Blumenthal shared the Communion elements, while Sergey Shidlovskiy of Estonia delivered an inspiring message.

The morning’s teaching drew from Matthew 26, where Mary poured expensive perfume from an alabaster jar over Jesus. The disciples were indignant, asking why the valuable gift had not been sold and the money given to the poor. But Jesus defended Mary, calling her act beautiful and explaining that she had anointed Him in preparation for His burial.

The perfume costs roughly a year’s wages, a sacrifice of both money and time. Mary’s devotion reminds believers that genuine love for Jesus may sometimes appear excessive or wasteful to others. “A drop of His blood is more expensive than all the perfume in the world,” shared Shidlovskiy  

Shidlovskiy encouraged those who have faced criticism for making radical sacrifices for Christ, whether leaving a job, a country, possessions or personal ambitions. Such devotion should never be considered a waste because Jesus is worthy!

Drawing on Isaiah 40:17-18, the teaching emphasised Christ’s greatness as the Creator of the universe. If everything ultimately belongs to Him, then nothing surrendered to Him is truly lost. Mary gave her costly perfume, while Jesus gave something infinitely more precious: His entire life, His body and His blood for humanity. Every sacrifice we make as believers for Christ should be viewed in light of His immeasurable worth.

In concluding the message, Shidlovskiy encouraged pilgrims with references to Hebrews 12:3 and 1 Corinthians 15:58. – Consider Jesus and His endurance, remain steadfast, and give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, knowing that your labour in Him is never in vain.

Later in the afternoon, Pilgrims made their way to Qsar Al Yahud for a healing service held on the banks of the Jordan River.

At the Jordan River, Dr. Suzette Hattingh spoke about healing through the image of bread. Reflecting on Mark 7, she said Jesus described healing and deliverance as “the children’s bread”— something God’s sons and daughters can seek each day. “We don’t need to wait for a crumb because the whole loaf is available,” she told the gathering. 

Dr. Hattingh connected that invitation to the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus. “By His stripes we are healed,” she said, urging Feast pilgrims to see His sacrifice as the foundation of their hope for healing. “If Jesus were not crucified, healing could not have happened,” emphasised Dr. Hattingh.

She challenged Feast Pilgrims to stand against sickness while caring for the person experiencing it, and to look to Jesus as the source of the miraculous, saying: “I believe Jesus is the source of the miraculous.”

Her message led into a powerful time of prayer at Qsar Al Yahud. Together, the gathering witnessed what they understood as God’s miracles in their lives, experienced His power, and prayed for healing and gave testimonies. Beside the Jordan River, Dr. Hattingh’s words became more than a message to hear; they became an invitation to seek God and trust Him for what only He can do.