From the previous post we now want to consider the geography of Jesus’ arrival in the Jerusalem area and His frequent travels from Bethany where He spent most of the nights, and the temple area where was most of the action.
This map shows the road (dotted line) approaching from Jericho and entering the Jerusalem area at the north end of the Mount of Olives. You can see that it was not far to Bethany, so it makes sense Jesus would stay there with His friends, outside the city where those who sought His life were scheming, and yet close enough to daily be in the temple area. You also see that Bethphage has a “?” but, as I understand, it is fairly certain it was on top of the Mt. of Olives and on the north end.
I love this photo. On the left in the distance you see the white buildings of Hebrew University on Mount Scopus. From there, heading to the right/south, are the three peaks of the Mount of Olives. The road from Jericho entered between Scopus and Olivet. Bethphage, it is believed, was at the top-backside of the first peak. The road to Bethany went alongside the third and most southern peak. The traditional route of the “Triumphal Entry” descends from the area between the second and third peaks. Note the columns of the “Church of All Nations” for perspective in the next photo.
Today’s “Eastern Gate” although it is not believed that Jesus entered that gate in the Triumphal Entry but rather to what is today “St. Stephens” or “The Lion Gate” to the right.
Modern tourists descending the traditional route from Bethany, the path of Jesus Triumphal Entry.
A fig tree and figs, because this picture of the nation of Israel was important as Jesus and the Twelve passed back and forth from Bethany to Jerusalem. Lord willing in the next post we will pick up the story in Mark 11.
No comments:
Post a Comment