Bethphage

Bethphage is a small village on the southeastern side of the Mount of Olives and less than a mile from Bethany. The name, Bethphage, in Hebrew means "house of unripe figs." Many years back it was filled with fig trees and interestingly enough when the leaves sprout, the tree bears baby fruit called "pugs" or baby figs.

Photo: Dr. Skinner reads from the Old Testament.

Photo: Catholic church at Bethphage.

The memory of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem is kept in a Franciscan church built in the late 19th century on the ruins of a medieval church. It is the location where the annual Palm Sunday walk into Jerusalem begins — a tradition begun during Crusader times.

Photo: Doors of the church. Bethphage is considered by Christians a holy place because it is the location where Jesus mounted his donkey in preparation for his Triumphant Entry into Jerusalem the last week of His life. (St. Matthew 21) Photo below: On display in the church, protected by a wrought iron grille, is a large square rock that the Crusaders regarded as the mounting-block Jesus used to mount the donkey. On the sides of the rock are medieval paintings, restored in 1950. These depict the disciples collecting the donkey and colt; people holding palm branches; the resurrection of Lazarus at nearby Bethany; and the inscription “Bethphage”.

As He drew near to Bethphage and Bethany at the place called the Mount of Olives, He sent two of his disciples. He said, "Go into the village opposite you, and as you enter it you will find a colt tethered on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it here. And if anyone should ask you, 'Why are you untying it?' you will answer, 'The Master has need of it.'" So those who had been sent went off and found everything just as he had told them. And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, "Why are you untying this colt?" They answered, "The Master has need of it." So they brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks over the colt, and helped Jesus to mount. As He rode along, the people were spreading their cloaks on the road; and now as He was approaching the slope of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of his disciples began to praise God aloud with joy for all the mighty deeds they had seen. They proclaimed: "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord. Peace in heaven and glory in the highest." Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Him, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples." He said in reply, "I tell you, if they keep silent, the stones will cry out!" (Luke 19:29-40)

Photo: Arch in church.

Photo: Dome ceiling in the church.

Photo: Dr. Allred explained the "Hosanna Shout" came about to welcome Jesus when arriving in Jerusalem.

Photo: Note the inscription in the arch of the window.

Photo: JC students meditated for a short time then sang the hymn, "Come Thou, O King of Kings." It was a very moving experience for everyone. To reiterate, thousands of Christians gather at this Catholic church on Palm Sunday (Sunday before Easter) and reenact the triumphal march of the Savior from Bethphage over the Mount of Olives into Jerusalem.