Resurrection Garden on the grounds of Berea Bible Church has a replica of the Jerusalem tomb you see in the picture above, as well as a small walking park, lake, and a baseball diamond.
The tomb situated on the property of Berea Bible Church is in accordance with Jewish burial customs. Tombs were frequently hollowed out on a side of a hill with a doorway that was low and quite small, which required those entering to stoop. Frequently, a large stone called a GOLEL fitted into a groove or track that was rolled in front of or away from the doorway to seal the tomb.
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 was large enough for an individual(s) to sit or stand. (Approximately 16 ft. long, by 8 ft. wide, by 6 ft. tall) Usually, a chamber was cut out of the rock in which a body could be laid which measured 78x25x20 inches and some had a vaulted arch over that shelf. Depending upon the family and number of people expected to be placed there, the tomb varied in size and chambers.
The tomb located in Berea's Resurrection Garden was created because of a dream by former pastor Dr. Glenn Greenwood to bring to life an important truth from Scripture. Pastor Greenwood has traveled to Israel many times and learned important facts and features about the culture and region each time. One of the truths that fascinated him and countless others was the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. After several trips to Israel, he desired to give a life-size example to the congregation and the Springfield community. While in Israel, the tomb was measured and diagrammed so it could be recreated here in Clark County.
Resurrection Garden is currently undergoing renovation. Below you can see an artist's rendition of some possibilities.
In addition, the tomb is empty! The empty tomb indicates that He 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.
So why an empty tomb in Springfield, Ohio? The resurrection of Jesus is one of the most important events in Christianity. This tomb brings an opportunity for Berea Bible Church to recall this event year around. A garden park has been established and people are invited to come sit, reflect, and meditate for a few minutes in the serenity of the garden. Jesus told his disciple 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 tomb park cause all who stop by to consider the promises of Jesus Christ and find the peace that He offers.
Featured Plants
Ficus carica ‘Chicago Hardy Fig’
In 2023, the Ficus carica 'Chicago Hardy Fig', was introduced to Resurrection Garden. The purchase of this tree was made possible by the dedication of Berea third and fourth-grade students who raised funds for its purchase. With its rich legacy in biblical stories, the fig tree holds a special significance in our garden.
At creation, God fashioned a magnificent garden for Adam and Eve, the first human beings. It was a place for them to work, live, and enjoy. The man and woman were permitted to eat from fruit from any of the trees except one—the "Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil” as seen in Genesis 2:16–17. Being tempted by Satan, Eve ate the fruit from the tree and offered it to Adam. This was the first sin. Consequently, their eyes were opened, and they realized they were naked, leading them to make garments from fig leaves (Genesis 3:7).
Why were fig leaves chosen? The fig trees of Israel grow much larger than those in the Midwest sporting leaves as large as ten inches, useful for making adequate coverings. Even today, the fig leaf is associated with modesty as seen in many artists’ paintings.
In Genesis 3:21, it is mentioned that God made clothing for Adam and Eve using animal skins. Although the Bible does not explicitly state the reason for using animal skins, it is believed that God's act of kindness and forgiveness involved the first animal sacrifice, a precursor the Old Testament sacrificial system. This act of sacrifice foreshadowed Jesus Christ's future sacrifice on the cross, where He would shed His blood to pay the price for sin. Though fig leaves and animal sacrifices were just a covering for sin, Jesus provided full pardon through His death and resurrection so that everyone who, by faith, comes to the Lord will receive forgiveness.
The fig tree was a symbol of prosperity and peace in the Bible (Deut. 8:8; 1 Kings 4:25; Micah 4:4; Zech. 3:10). But peace and prosperity could be lost, and the shaking of the fig tree was also an image of judgment (Psa. 105:33; Jer. 5:17; 8:13; Nah. 3:12; Hos. 2:12). In Bible times figs were often grown in orchards for ease in care and harvest. Often families would grow a tree outside their homes.
Though this Chicago Hardy Fig will likely freeze to the ground each winter, it will quickly grow up to 8 feet in a single summer. This is a self-pollinated variety which means it does not need another fig or specific wasp for pollination. Its edible fruit harvested in the late summer or fall is deep purple and picked when slightly soft to the touch. Birds, squirrels, and raccoons also like to eat its fruit. Figs are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Figs can be eaten fresh, made into preserves, or dried.
More featured plants will be seen here soon.
If you want to give money to help build Resurrection Garden, you can do it by clicking the button below to create an account. If you already have an account, just click on Sign In. After you log in, tap the "General Fund" option and select Resurrection Garden Fund from the list to make your donation.