The life of Jesus was played out in a relatively small geographical area of the world. Most of the major sites associated with Jesus' life are in Israel and the West Bank, with the few exceptions including the journey to Egypt, a healing miracle in Tyre (modern Lebanon) and his possible baptism in modern-day Jordan. But within this area, Jesus traveled a great deal, especially in the course of his three-year ministry in the region of Galilee.
Event in the Life of Jesus
The Annunciation
Nazareth was the hometown of Mary and Joseph. It was here that Mary was visited by the angel Gabriel and told she would conceive a child by the Holy Spirit. Lk 1:26-38
Associated Location
Basilica of the Annunciation
Nazareth
The Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth stands on the traditional site of Gabriel's announcement to Mary. In Nazareth you can also visit Mary's Well, where she may have fetched water regularly, and St. Gabriel's Orthodox Church.
Mary's Well
St. Gabriel's Orthodox Church
Birth of Jesus
Jesus was born in a manger in Bethlehem, the City of David, while Mary and Joseph were there for the Roman census. Angels announced the event to nearby shepherds and Magi arrived to worship him. Lk 2:1-20; Mt 2:1-9
Associated Location
Church of the Nativity
Bethlehem
This church in Bethlehem was originally built by Constantine over a cave associated with the manger. A star that marks the traditional site of the Nativity. The relics of the Three Magi are said to be in Cologne Cathedral.
Escape to Egypt
Joseph was warned in a dream to flee to Egypt to avoid the wrath of Herod, who heard about the birth of the "King of the Jews" from the Magi and had all young boys in Judea killed. The family stayed in Egypt until Herod died. Mt 2:13-20
Associated Location
Nile Valley
Egypt
The Holy Family is traditionally believed to have followed a route along the north of Egypt, then south along the Nile River Valley, not staying in any one place too long . There are several churches, convents, and sacred springs along the route.
Childhood
The New Testament says little about Jesus' formative years, but it does indicate that he grew up in Nazareth. He is assumed to have trained as a carpenter under Joseph and to have had a traditional Jewish upbringing. Mt 2:22-23; 21:11; Mk 1:9
Associated Location
Mary's Well
Nazareth
In Nazareth, pilgrims can visit Mary's Well, where Mary may have drawn water and would have brought the young Jesus along, and the Church of St. Joseph, built over the site of Joseph's workshop where Jesus probably helped.
First Miracle
Jesus performed the first of many miracles at Cana, a small village near Nazareth. Invited to a wedding, Jesus helped the frantic host by turning water into wine. Jn 2:1-11
Associated Location
Franciscan Wedding Church
Cana (Kafr Kanna)
It is not known for certain where Cana is located, but the main tradition identifies it with the modern village of Kefr' Kenna, about 7 km northeast of Nazareth. Here there is a Franciscan "Wedding Church."
Baptism
Jesus was baptized by his cousin, John the Baptist, on the shores of the Jordan River. Here John identified Jesus as the Lamb of God, and a dove was seen to land on Jesus as he came up out of the water. Mt 3 He later returned to the site to teach. Jn 1:40-42
Associated Location
Baptism Site
Bethany-beyond-the-Jordan, Jordan
The site traditionally identified with Jesus' baptism is east of Jericho in Jordan. It has been extensively excavated and developed since the 1994 peace treaty and there are now many ancient ruins and modern structures to see here.
Temptation in the Wilderness
After his baptism, Jesus withdrew into the nearby desert to fast and pray for 40 days. The Devil tried three times to tempt Jesus to break his fast or compromise his mission.Matthew 4:1-11
Associated Location
Monastery of the Temptation
Mount Quarntal
Mount Quarntal, just north of Jericho, is the traditional site of this event, and it is commemorated by the Greek Orthodox Monastery of the Temptation.
Calling of the Disciples
Christ's first disciples were fishermen Jesus encountered on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. He challenged them to leave their nets and become "fishers of men."Mt 5:18-22
Associated Location
Galilee Boat (Jesus Boat)
Kibbutz Ginosar, Galilee
The Sea of Galilee and the region of Galilee is in northern Israel. A 1st-century fishing boat was recently discovered in the mud here, which may be very similar to the one Jesus used. Known as the Galilee Boat or Jesus Boat, it is on display at Kibbutz Ginosar.
Rejection in Nazareth
After his temptation in the desert, Jesus returned to Nazareth where he grew up and began to preach in the synagogues. When he said "No prophet is accepted in his hometown," the people tried to throw him off a cliff. Luke 4:14-30
Associated Location
Mount Precipice
Mount Kedumim, Nazareth
A clifftop site on Mount Kedumim near Nazareth is traditionally believed to be the site of this event and is known as Mount Precipice. There are few ruins here, but fine views.
Ministry in Galilee
Most of Jesus' early teachings and miracles occurred around the Sea of Galilee. During this time, he made his home in Capernaum at the family home of St. Peter.
Associated Location
House of St. Peter
Capernaum
A spaceship-like modern Franciscan church stands on the site of the House of St. Peter in Capernaum, where Jesus lived, healed a paralytic, and healed Peter's mother-in-law.
Feeding of the 5,000
On the shores of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus multiplied just a few loaves and fishes into enough food to feed 5,000 people. Mt 15:32-39
Associated Location
Church of the Loaves and Fishes
Tabgha
This famous miracle is commemorated by the Church of the Loaves and Fishes at Tabgha, on the northwestern shore of the Galilee. The church features 5th-century mosaics, including one of a basket of bread with two fish.
Sermon on the Mount
The most famous of Jesus' many sermons is the Sermon on the Mount, which begins with the Beatitudes ("Blessed are the meek...) Mt 5-7
Associated Location
Mount of Beatitudes
Tabgha
According to tradition, the Sermon on the Mount occurred on a small rise at Tabgha, where now stands the octagonal Church of the Beatitudes. There are lovely views from here.
Transfiguration
"Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them." Mt 17:1-9
Associated Location
Mount Tabor
Since the 4th century, this hill rising above the Jezreel Valley has been identified as the Mount of Transfiguration. There are Franciscan and Greek Orthodox churches at the top.
Triumphal Entry
In what was to be the last week of his life, Jesus entered into Jerusalem on a donkey, while cheering crowds lauded him with palm fronds.
Associated Location
Palm Sunday Procession
Jerusalem
Religious processions take place in Jerusalem on Palm Sunday each year to commemorate this event.
Raising of Lazarus
Jesus raised a man named Lazarus from the dead after he had been in the tomb four days. Jn 11:1-44
Associated Location
Tomb of Lazarus
Bethany
In Bethany, pilgrims can visit the Tomb of Lazarus, which has been revered from an early date. There is also a Franciscan Church of St. Lazarus that stands on the site of earlier churches.
Anointed at Bethany
Jesus stayed at the house of Simon the Leper, where his feet were anointed with perfume by Mary. Mk 14:1-10
Associated Location
House of Simon the Leper
Bethany
Near a modern Greek Orthodox church in Bethany are substantial ruins that belong to the Orthodox Patriarchate and are traditionally identified as the House of Simon the Leper.
Last Supper
On the night Jesus was betrayed and arrested, he shared a last meal with his disciples. It was during this meal that he instituted the Christian sacrament of the Eucharist. Mk 14:12-26;
Associated Location
Last Supper Room
Jerusalem
The event is traditionally associated with the Last Supper Room on Mount Zion in Jerusalem. The event was most famously commemorated by Leonardo da Vinci's fresco The Last Supper, which is in a church in Milan.
Prayer, Betrayal and Arrest
After the Last Supper, Jesus led his disciples to the Garden of Gethsemane and asked them to keep watch while he prayed. They fell asleep, and then fled when Jesus was identified by Judas and arrested. Mt 26:36-56; Mk 14:32-51
Associated Location
Basilica of the Agony
Jerusalem
The Church of All Nations (or Basilica of the Agony) marks the place where Jesus prayed alone and in agony. The Cave of Gethsemane marks the site of the betrayal.
Trial and Condemnation by Pilate
After being condemned by the Sanhedrin, Jesus is taken before the Roman governor Pontius Pilate for trial. At the instigation of the crowd, Jesus is sentenced to death by crucifixion. Mt 27; Mk 15
Associated Location
Chapel of the Condemnation or Citadel
Jerusalem
On the Via Dolorosa is the Chapel of the Condemnation, built over the site traditionally identified with the trial of Jesus. But a more likely historical candidate for the site is the Citadel, which was the royal palace during the time of Christ and is where Pilate would have likely resided.
Flagellation
Jesus was flogged by Roman soldiers before being led to his execution. Mt 27:27-30
Associated Location
Monastery of the Flagellation
Jerusalem
This event is commemorated in the Franciscan Monastery of the Flagellation on the Via Dolorosa, next to the Chapel of the Condemnation.
Walk to Calvary
Jesus was made to carry his own cross from the place of his condemnation to Calvary. Jn 17:19
Associated Location
Via Dolorosa
Jerusalem
The Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem is believed to be the path Jesus took to Calvary, where he was crucified. Stations of the Cross mark various events along the way, some of which are not recorded in the New Testament.
Crucifixion
Jesus was crucified at "a place called Golgotha (which means The Place of the Skull)" between two thieves. Afterh about three hours of suffering and mocking, Jesus "gave up his spirit." Mt 27:32-55
Associated Location
Church of the Holy Sepulchre
Jerusalem
The site of Jesus' crucifixion is believed to be the area identified as Calvary within the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. A Greek Orthodox altar stands directly over the rocky outcrop on which the cross of Christ is believed to have stood. The rock can be touched through a hole on the floor under the altar.
Burial and Resurrection
"As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus' body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away." Mt 27:57-60
Associated Location
Church of the Holy Sepulchre or Garden Tomb
Jerusalem
The holiest site in Jerusalem, and indeed all of Christianity, is the Tomb of Christ, located within the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The church was built around the tomb by Constantine. Pilgrims can see the place where Jesus' body was laid as well as a piece of the stone that was rolled away. An alternative site is the Garden Tomb outside the walls, which has less claims to authenticity but is popular especially with Protestant pilgrims.
Post-Resurrection Appearance
Associated Location
Emmaus
The site of Emmaus Nikopolis, 18 miles from Jerusalem on the road to Jaffa, has been identified as the biblical Emmaus since as early as the 3rd century. However, its authenticity is unlikely. Today there are ruins of a Byzantine-Crusader basilica and a museum on the site.
Post-Resurrection Appearance
Jn 21
Associated Location
Church of the Primacy of Peter
Tabgha
A Franciscan chapel stands on the site of a 4th-century church just offshore near Tabgha. A large rock is revered as the place where Jesus laid out fish and bread for his disciples, and reinstated Peter with the words "Feed my sheep."
Ascension
Associated Location
Chapel of the Ascension
Mount of Olives, Jerusalem
The traditional site of Jesus' ascension into heaven after his Resurrection is marked by the Chapel and Mosque of the Ascension on the Mount of Olives. The chapel includes an impression of Christ's footprint.
