The Village of Bethphage at the time of Jesus and the Church of Bethphage in the Holy land

Bethphage in the Bible

Visit Bethphage: The Village of the Donkey and the Beginning of the Palm Sunday Journey

There are two important traditions related to Bethphage, a small village during the time of Jesus, located on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives. This sacred location is most remembered as the place where Jesus instructed two of His disciples to fetch a colt and an ass that He would ride during His triumphal entry into Jerusalem:

“Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me.” — Matthew 21:2

Bethphage is also traditionally linked to the story of Jesus meeting Martha and later her sister Mary (John 11:17-34), before performing one of His greatest miracles: the resurrection of Lazarus. These events remind Christians that Bethphage is not merely a stop on the pilgrimage route, but a place where faith and divine power intersected with everyday life.

The Church of Bethphage

The Church of Bethphage, meaning “House of the Early Figs,” was built by the Franciscans in 1883. Inside the church is a revered stone believed to be the very one Jesus used to mount the donkey before His entry into Jerusalem. This holy site also recalls the moment of the fruitless fig tree, cursed by Jesus for bearing no fruit:

“Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves... Then he said to the tree, ‘May no one ever eat fruit from you again.’ And his disciples heard him say it.” — Mark 11:13-14

Because of restrictions under Muslim rule at the time, the church was disguised as a fortified structure rather than a typical place of worship. Later, an arch was added in 1897, and its tower in 1954. Today, pilgrims are captivated by the interior walls, which are decorated with colorful depictions of Jesus’ procession and other biblical events tied to Bethphage.

The Stele of Bethphage

Near the arch of the Church stands a fascinating relic known as the “Stele of Bethphage,” discovered in 1876 by French scholar Charles Clermont-Ganneau. The stone is decorated with Crusader-era paintings illustrating holy moments that unfolded here:

• Jesus’ triumphal journey to Jerusalem
• Disciples carrying palm branches in His honor
• Jesus’ meeting with Martha and Mary
• The resurrection of Lazarus (John 11:38-44)

This stone serves as a unique testimony to Bethphage’s role as a gateway between miracles, teachings, and the ultimate sacrifice Jesus would soon make in Jerusalem.

Palm Sunday and Pilgrimage Today

Christian pilgrims who travel to Israel during Easter have the special blessing of joining the Palm Sunday procession. This annual re-enactment retraces Jesus’ final entry into Jerusalem, beginning at the Church of Bethphage. With palm branches in hand and songs of “Hosanna” filling the air, believers walk the same road where prophecy was fulfilled:

“Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” — Zechariah 9:9

For pilgrims, this experience is profoundly spiritual—a living reminder that Jesus is the promised King, the Prince of Peace, and the Savior who humbly entered Jerusalem to bring redemption to the world.

Why Bethphage is a Must-Visit

Bethphage is more than a biblical reference—it is a place where scripture, history, and faith converge. From the story of Lazarus to the triumphal entry of Christ, Bethphage embodies the hope of resurrection, the humility of the King, and the promise of salvation. When you walk through Bethphage, you do not only visit history—you step into the living story of the Gospel.