Bible Exhibit Showcases Box Believed To Have Held the Bones of James, Brother of Jesus

Discovering the World of Jesus: Ancient Treasures from the Holy Land
The James Ossuary The Highlight of the exhibition is the James (Yaakov) Ossuary, a first - century stone box found in Jerusalem that held the bones of James, the son of Joseph and brother of Jesus. Considered the most significant item ever discovered from the time of Christ, the James Ossuary is the only archeological item that can be directly attributed to Jesus’ family. Photo credit: Angela Sullivan

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History and faith intersect at Pullman Yards in Atlanta, where “Discovering the World of Jesus: Ancient Treasures from the Holy Land” invites visitors to journey 2,000 years back in time. The exhibit, which showcases over 350 authentic artifacts from the time of Jesus Christ, runs from Dec. 3 to Feb. 28, 2025, in its first stop on a nationwide tour.

Israeli entrepreneur and antiquities collector Oded Golan, the mind behind the renowned Golan Collection, curated this extraordinary display. It features items like the James Ossuary, believed to have belonged to Jesus’ brother, and the Zechariah Ossuary, believed to belong to the priest who was the father of John the Baptist.

An ossuary, also known as a bone box, is used to hold the skeletal remains of someone who has died.

The exhibit melds cutting-edge technology with ancient treasures to bring the New Testament to life.

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“This exhibition lets people step into the lives of those who walked with Christ,” Golan told ChurchLeaders. “We use artifacts, explanations, and interactive displays to give a new perspective on the stories from that era.”

Inscribed on James’ Bone Box are the Words ‘Brother of Yeshua’

One of Golan’s most prized artifacts is the James Ossuary, a bone box inscribed with the words, “Yaakov, son of Yosef, brother of Yeshua.” This artifact, Golan explained, is a key link to Jesus’ immediate family and offers insight into early Christian history.

Equally captivating is the Zechariah Ossuary, adorned with depictions of the Jerusalem Temple and angelic wings.

“From the decoration, we can infer that Zechariah was a priest in the temple, possibly the father of John the Baptist, as described in the New Testament,” Golan said.

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Other artifacts include stone cups like the one used at the Last Supper, a manger made of stone, and nails from crucifixions, all of which offer visitors a realistic glimpse into life and death during the time of Christ.

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Jesse T. Jackson
Jesse is the Senior Content Editor for ChurchLeaders and Site Manager for ChristianNewsNow. An undeserving husband to a beautiful wife, and a father to 4 beautiful children. He serves as the chairman of the deacons, a growth group leader, and is a member of University Baptist Church in Beavercreek, Ohio. Follow him on twitter here (https://twitter.com/jessetjackson). Accredited member of the Evangelical Press Association.

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