Experiencing the Land of the Bible – Tour Stop #6
Where Are We?
We’re standing on the Southern Steps of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, the main public entrance into the temple courts in the first century.
The Southern Steps were like the front porch to God’s house. These steps were busy. Pilgrims from all over Israel and beyond would ascend them to worship at the temple. Merchants sold sacrificial animals nearby. Priests moved in and out of the gates all day long. Because of their location and size, a lot of significant biblical events are tied to this area, some directly mentioned in Scripture and others strongly inferred from historical context. For example:
- The Southern Steps were a prime teaching spot for rabbis because they offered space for large gatherings and easy access to the Temple courts. In passages like Luke 19:47-48 and John 7:14, 28, we read that Jesus taught daily in the Temple. Many scholars believe some of those teachings likely happened on or near these steps, since this was the main entry point for pilgrims coming up from the City of David and the Pool of Siloam.
- When Jesus confronted the religious leaders in Matthew 23 (“Woe to you, teachers of the law…”), it’s reasonable to assume this could have happened here.
- Peter and John encountered a paralyzed man at the “Beautiful Gate” (Acts 3:1-10). While the exact gate is debated, many historians think this could have been one of the southern entrances into the Temple. This healing drew a crowd, leading to another public sermon, likely in this area.
- The steps were a hub for everyday Temple activity. Pilgrims would ascend here during festivals like Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. Religious teachers often debated Scripture here. That means Jesus, the apostles, and early Christians likely engaged in many public conversations and teachings in this space (see Luke 2:46 for young Jesus in the Temple courts — this same area would’ve been in use his whole life).
- They are a possible location for the Triumphal Entry. After entering Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, Jesus went to the Temple (Mark 11:11). The Southern Steps were a natural route from the Kidron Valley and City of David into the Temple complex.
And here’s the really cool, really crazy thing: these are the actual steps from Jesus’ time. Not a reconstruction, not “nearby stones…” The very steps your feet are on are the ones Jesus, His disciples, and thousands of others walked as they entered and departed from the Temple. They’re one of the few parts of the Temple complex that survive exactly as they were in Jesus’ day.
Archaeologists have uncovered “mikvehs” (ritual baths) all along this area – places where worshipers purified themselves before entering.
These same mikvehs would become more important than ever on the day the church was born.
Biblical Significance: The Movement Begins
Acts 2 tells us that on the day of Pentecost, after the Holy Spirit came to the apostles, Peter preached a sermon to the crowds in Jerusalem. That day, 3,000 people were baptized.
If you’ve ever wondered how they baptized that many in one day, the southern steps provide the answer.
Right here, at the foot of the Temple Mount, were dozens of mikvehs, already filled with water. The crowd that heard Peter’s sermon could have easily moved from listening to repentance to baptism within minutes. And with that, the Church – the movement of Jesus’ people – was off and running. 2,000 years later, it’s as strong as ever.
Archaeological Insight: Stones That Preach
Excavations in the 1960s revealed the southern steps just as they were in the first century. They lead up to the Huldah Gates, which are now sealed off but still visible. These gates opened directly into tunnels leading to the temple courts.
The mikvehs here are remarkably preserved – stone staircases descending into pools, divided by a low wall so you could walk in on one side unclean, and out the other side ritually pure.
And because these steps were never completely buried, they remain one of the few places in Jerusalem where you can say with certainty: Jesus stood here.
Aha Moment: Faith That Moves Your Feet
The steps themselves are uneven, a deliberate design to slow your pace as you ascended, forcing worshipers to approach the temple thoughtfully, not casually. To slow down and pay attention. You couldn’t rush your way into God’s presence. You approached with intention, with reverence, with your heart aligned for worship.
As pilgrims from all over the world made their way to Jerusalem, they would climb these very steps singing the Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120–134). These songs weren’t background noise – they were a spiritual warm-up.
Step after uneven step, they would lift their voices:
“I lift my eyes to the mountains – where does my help come from?” (Psalm 121:1)
“I rejoiced with those who said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.’” (Psalm 122:1)
Every verse was a reminder: you’re not just going to the temple – you’re going to meet with the living God.
The Southern Steps are a powerful reminder for us today: worship starts before you ever walk through the door.
Reflection Prompt
How often do I rush into worship – physically or spiritually? How often does that hurried pace affect my attitude or ability to focus myself?
What would change if I approached every Sunday like a pilgrim on the southern steps, letting God prepare my mind, heart, and soul before I ever sang a word or heard a sermon?
Pray:
Lord, teach me to prepare myself to be in Your presence.
Slow my steps, focus my mind, and fill my mouth with praise before I even arrive.
Visiting Today
The Southern Steps are part of the Jerusalem Archaeological Park, and they’re unforgettable. Of all the places I’ve visited in the Holy Land, I think this is my favorite. You can walk the original stones, see the mikvehs where thousands were baptized, and stand at the gates where worshipers entered the temple. It’s one of the few places in the city where you know for certain – you’re standing where Jesus stood.
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