Christian Pilgrims in the footsteps of Jesus Path down the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem

Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus on the Mount of Olives

A fascinating walking route in Jerusalem begins atop the Mount of Olives, guiding pilgrims in the footsteps of Jesus during His final entry into the Holy City. This sacred path allows believers to trace the journey of Christ during the last week of His earthly life, from His triumphal entry into Jerusalem to His betrayal, arrest, and crucifixion.

The route begins near the summit of the Mount of Olives at a small building, traditionally identified as the Chapel of the Ascension. Though it is under Muslim custodianship today, the chapel was originally built by the Crusaders. For centuries, Christians have come here to pray and reflect on the powerful events described in Scripture.

The Ascension of Jesus

The Mount of Olives is deeply tied to the promise of Jesus’ return. According to Luke 24:50-53, Jesus led His disciples out as far as Bethany, lifted His hands to bless them, and was taken up into heaven:

“While He was blessing them, He left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped Him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy.”

Though there is little physical structure to see at the traditional site of the Ascension, the significance for Christians is profound. Pilgrims often gather to read from the Gospels, pray, and contemplate the hope of Christ’s promised return on this very mount (Acts 1:11).

Jesus’ Journey Down the Mount of Olives

From the summit, one can see how the landscape shaped biblical history. Scholars point out that Jesus could have easily turned toward Bethany to escape danger. Instead, He deliberately continued down the Mount of Olives toward Jerusalem, fully embracing His divine mission to die for the sins of the world. This act of obedience reflects the words of John 10:18: “No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord.”

The Church of the Pater Noster

Continuing down the slope, pilgrims encounter the Church of the Pater Noster. This sacred site commemorates Jesus’ teaching of the Lord’s Prayer (Luke 11:1-4):

“He said to them, ‘When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come...’”

The church’s walls display the Lord’s Prayer in more than 100 languages, a powerful reminder of the universality of Christ’s teaching and the unity of believers across nations.

Dominus Flevit – Where Jesus Wept

Further down the mount lies the Church of Dominus Flevit, meaning “The Lord Wept.” Built in the shape of a teardrop, this modern Franciscan church marks the site where Jesus wept over Jerusalem. As recorded in Luke 19:41-42:

“As He approached Jerusalem and saw the city, He wept over it and said, ‘If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes.’”

The view from Dominus Flevit across the Old City is stunning, reminding pilgrims of Christ’s compassion and His sorrow over a city that did not recognize its Messiah.

The Garden of Gethsemane

At the foot of the Mount of Olives lies the sacred Garden of Gethsemane, whose name means “olive press.” Ancient olive trees still grow here, some believed to date back 2,000 years, connecting pilgrims directly to the time of Christ. Here, Jesus prayed in deep anguish before His arrest:

“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” (Luke 22:42)

The Garden is a place of profound meditation, where pilgrims reflect on Christ’s submission to the Father’s will and His willingness to bear the sins of the world.

The Church of All Nations

Beside the garden stands the Church of All Nations, also called the Church of the Agony. Built in 1924 with international funding, its sanctuary protects the bedrock where Jesus prayed before His arrest. The beautiful mosaics inside depict the agony of Christ, His betrayal by Judas (Matthew 26:14-16; Luke 22:47-48), and His strength in prayer despite the weight of suffering.

St. Peter in Gallicantu – The Place of Denial

On nearby Mount Zion, pilgrims encounter the Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu. This site commemorates Peter’s three denials of Jesus, as recorded in Mark 14:66-72 and John 18:15-27. Beneath the modern church are ancient dungeons that may have been used to imprison Jesus on the night of His arrest. The church sits above first-century stone steps, possibly the very ones Jesus walked when led from Gethsemane to the house of the High Priest.

The Mount of Olives Today

Today, the route has been carefully preserved. Railings, paving, and lighting make it accessible to modern pilgrims, while the Absolom Lookout Point offers breathtaking views of the Old City and surrounding valleys. The Mount of Olives remains one of Jerusalem’s most iconic vantage points, a place where Scripture and history merge into a living testimony of God’s redemptive plan.

Walk the Gospel Path with Us

Every step on this sacred route is a step deeper into the Gospel narrative. From the Ascension to Gethsemane, from the Lord’s Prayer to Peter’s denial, the Mount of Olives is a living Gospel, etched into the stones of Jerusalem. For Christians, walking here is more than sightseeing—it is an act of faith, worship, and discipleship.

Our Christian Holy Land tours take you through these holy places with knowledgeable guides, scripture readings, and opportunities for prayer, reflection, and fellowship. This journey is designed not just to show you the land, but to let you encounter the living Word of God in the very places it was fulfilled.