Bethany & the Mount of Olives: Walking the Land of Jesus’ Final Days

Before the cross. Before the empty tomb. Jesus stood on the Mount of Olives, overlooking Jerusalem, knowing what lay ahead. He spent His last nights in Bethany, the town of Lazarus, Mary, and Martha—a humble place filled with deep significance.

In this episode, Israeli guide Shimon Zimmer takes us beyond the text and into the very places where Jesus walked. What did Bethany mean to Him? Why was the Mount of Olives central to His final days? And how do these sacred locations reveal the heart of the Gospel?

Key Themes in This Episode

• Bethany: The Place of the Humble – What does its name tell us about Jesus’ choice to spend His last days there?
• The Mount of Olives: A Sacred Threshold – From King David to Jesus, this ridge was the setting for exile, prophecy, and redemption.
• The Geography of Passion Week – How does understanding first-century Jerusalem shape our reading of the Gospels?
• Jesus’ Emotional Journey – The Mount of Olives was not just a location—it was where Jesus wept, prayed, and prepared for the cross.
• From Earth to Heaven – Bethany was not only where Jesus raised Lazarus but where He later ascended. What’s the connection?

Discussion Questions

1. Why do you think Jesus returned to Bethany before entering Jerusalem?
2. What does the Mount of Olives’ long biblical history tell us about God’s unfolding plan?
3. How does seeing the physical setting of Passion Week change the way you read the Gospels?
4. What emotions does imagining Jesus looking over Jerusalem stir in you?
5. If you could walk one of these sites today, what would you want to reflect on?

Why Listen?

The land of Israel isn’t just a backdrop to the Bible—it’s a living witness to the story of redemption. If you’ve ever longed to experience the places where Jesus walked, this episode will help you see His final journey in a whole new way.