ATLANTA — In a remarkable celebration of faith and history, an extraordinary exhibition titled "Discovering the World of Jesus: Ancient Treasures from the Holy Land" has opened at Pullman Yards, showcasing a stunning collection of artifacts that illuminate the life and times of Jesus Christ. The exhibit, which debuted on December 3, features over 350 artifacts from the renowned Golan Collection, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the past.
Oded Golan, the Israeli engineer and antiquities collector behind this exhibit, stands in front of a stone ossuary inscribed with the words "James, son of Joseph, brother of Jesus." This small yet profound artifact once contained human bones and now serves as a bridge to understanding the historical context of Jesus’ life. Golan, who began collecting antiquities at the tender age of nine, expresses his passion for history: "Every stone, every object has a story to tell."
This exhibition marks the first time Golan’s collection has traveled outside of Israel, making it a unique opportunity for American audiences to connect with the daily lives, culture, and faith of those who lived during Jesus’ time. Among the highlights are ossuaries attributed to James and Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist, alongside everyday items such as lamps, sandals, and coins, all of which paint a vivid picture of life in first-century Judea.
James Tabor, a retired professor of religious studies at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, emphasizes the importance of this exhibit for historians and believers alike. "It’s fabulous," Tabor remarks. "When you combine archaeological findings with historical texts, it brings the stories of the Bible to life in ways that are truly remarkable." The exhibit is designed to take visitors on a chronological journey, enhanced by audio and visual effects that create an immersive experience.
One of the most captivating artifacts on display is the James Ossuary, whose authenticity has been verified through rigorous testing. Tabor notes the statistical evidence surrounding the ossuary is compelling, suggesting it likely belonged to the biblical James. "If this is indeed James’ ossuary, then his family members likely mourned his death in front of it," he explains. "It’s a rare physical connection to Jesus’ family."
Visitors will also encounter a stone cup resembling the one used during the Last Supper, which Golan describes as "a simple stone cup, used during Passover by Jewish people in Jerusalem." This artifact, along with others like crucifixion nails and ancient coins minted by Pontius Pilate, helps to contextualize the life and death of Jesus.
The exhibition is designed to be family-friendly, offering a visual narrative through a short film titled "Daily Life in the Time of Jesus." This film complements the artifacts on display, helping audiences understand how people lived, what they ate, and how they honored their dead. Tabor highlights that this experience allows visitors to ponder profound questions: "Could Jesus have touched this?" he asks, referring to the artifacts.
Golan hopes the exhibition will inspire curiosity and foster a deeper understanding of the shared roots of faith and history. "This isn’t just for Christians," he states. "Jesus was a Jewish man who lived in a Jewish world. Understanding his time helps us understand our shared heritage."
At the conclusion of the exhibit, visitors are invited to write prayers and leave them on a symbolic tree, which will be transported to a church in Galilee, near Jesus’ childhood home. This poignant gesture serves as a fitting end to a journey that begins with ancient artifacts and culminates in personal reflection and connection.
"Discovering the World of Jesus: Ancient Treasures from the Holy Land" is now open at Pullman Yards in Atlanta. Tickets are available online, and additional U.S. tour stops are expected to be announced soon. This exhibition promises to be an enlightening experience for anyone interested in the historical Jesus and the rich cultural context of His life.
For more information about the exhibit, visit the official website: Discovering the World of Jesus.