Jesus Journeys to Jerusalem through Jericho

Luke tells the account of Jesus' last journey as he went from Galilee to Jerusalem for the last time. This journey would end at the cross. A traveler in Jesus’ day would have two main options in going from Galilee to Jerusalem. Going through Samaria would be the shorter and easier of the two. This route from Nazareth to Jerusalem stretched for about 75 miles and took around three days on foot. However, on at least this one journey, Jesus went the longer route which took Him through Jericho, a distance measuring approximately 97 miles.

Photo of Jordan Valley by צילום: אילנה שקולניק, CC BY 2.5,
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=11955718

Most of the common people during Bible times walked to get where they needed to go, and Jesus did too. Some scholars have estimated He must have walked over 15,000 miles in His short lifetime. Walking had more than health benefits. It enabled Him and His followers to interact with people along the way. Travelers always risked dangers when they traveled far from home. Wild beasts often attacked, especially in the Jordan Valley area where Jericho was located. Lions and Syrian bears posed serious problems, but bandits could be even worse, despite the fact that the Roman government would crucify the thugs if caught. Jesus tells the story of the Good Samaritan helping the poor man who had been beaten and robbed on the Jericho Road. Some believe Barabbas, the man the crowds wanted to be freed instead of Jesus, had committed similar crimes.

Jordan River photo by Jean Housen - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0,
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=11820699

 To get from Galilee to Jerusalem via Jericho, a traveler followed the Jordan River and then climbed the Jericho Road to Jerusalem. This route was only 23 miles longer than going through Samaria, but it was much hotter and required a steep climb. Jericho lies 812 feet below sea level, while Jerusalem sets 2,600 feet above sea level. This difference in altitude happens within a road distance of fifteen miles, so the climb is sharp. It also winds through a barren land of little more than rocks, canyons, and cliffs. The area around Jericho might be barren, but Jericho itself is in a fertile plain. Jericho has long been known as the City of Palms.

Golden Gate at Jerusalem

Moving from Jericho toward Jerusalem, the old road allows a good view of a deep gorge thought by many to be the site that inspired the Twenty-Third Psalm. Separate legends also put Elijah being fed by the ravens and Hosea speaking about a “door of hope” in this area. As travelers get closer to Jerusalem, they pass by Gethsemane on a slight rise, where they can look ahead and see the walled city. The road then circles Olivet and winds into the city. The Great North Road, as it was sometimes called, is filled with the history of kings, prophets, and apostles. Jesus would use this route to make His way toward Jerusalem, healing and teaching as He went. His teachings, some of the last he gave, are especially meaningful and important.

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