Bethphage
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Bethphage was a small village on the Mount of Olives, close to Bethany, on the road up to Jerusalem. As Jesus drew near the city for the last time, He sent two disciples into the village over against them, telling them they would find a colt tied, and that if anyone asked, they should say, 'The Lord hath need of them.' From there Jesus rode into Jerusalem while crowds spread their garments and branches in the way, fulfillling the prophecy of a King coming 'meek, and sitting upon an ass.' Bethphage is mentioned only in this account, yet it stands at the threshold of the final week of Jesus' earthly ministry.
Details
- Region
- Jerusalem
- Modern Location
- Traditionally at et-Tur on the Mount of Olives, east of the Old City of Jerusalem
Key Passages
Jesus Sends for the Colt
Matthew 21:1-5
At Bethphage Jesus arranges His entry into Jerusalem as Zechariah's humble King.
1nd when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples,
Bethphage and Bethany
Mark 11:1-2
Mark names both villages on the Mount of Olives as Jesus approaches the city.
1nd when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples,
Near Bethphage on the Mount of Olives
Luke 19:29-30
Luke records the colt "whereon yet never man sat."
29nd it came to pass, when he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount called the mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples,
Explore Related
Did You Know?
Bethphage is often explained as meaning 'house of unripe figs.'
A Franciscan church at Bethphage marks the traditional starting point of the Palm Sunday procession.
All three Synoptic Gospels name Bethphage as the place where the colt was sent for.