‘World of Jesus’ Exhibit Unveils James’ Ossuary Alongside 350 Artifacts

December 27, 2024

An exhibit showcasing artifacts and stories from 2,000 years ago, opened earlier this month in Atlanta, Georgia, with plans for additional U.S. stops in the coming months.

Christianity Daily reports that the exhibit titled “Discovering the World of Jesus: Ancient Treasures from the Holy Land” features more than 350 pieces from the private collection of Oded Golan, an Israeli antiquities collector.

Among the items on display are lamps, sandals, coins, and stone vessels that provide visitors insights into the time of Jesus from his birth to his resurrection.

The exhibit also highlights ossuaries attributed to James, the brother of Jesus and Zacharias, believed to be the father of John the Baptist.

Commenting on the exhibit, Golan stated, “We have the earliest images of the Nativity story from a church from the fourth century A.D., and the earliest description of the Holy Sepulcher, the place where the tradition claims the place where Jesus’ body was put into the cave and then resurrected.”

In describing how these artifacts bring to life the Bible story, Golan added, This isn’t just for Christians. Jesus was a Jewish man who lived in a Jewish world. Understanding his time helps us understand the shared roots of our faith and history.”

James Tabor, a retired professor of religious studies at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, told the Christian Post, “You walk through history, from Herod the Great to the crucifixion and beyond. You get a feel for what life was like. What lamps did they use? What dishes did they eat from? How did they bury their dead? This exhibit answers those questions in ways no textbook can.”

After visiting the exhibit, visitors are encouraged to write prayers and leave them on a symbolic tree with the prayers later being transported to a church in Galilee near where Jesus is believed to have been raised.

Photo: Top, Credit: The Golan Collection