How Far Did Jesus Walk?
The land of Israel is a small place. The whole country is only 8500 square miles, roughly the size of the state of New Jersey in the US.
According to the New Testament, Jesus walked and preached mainly in the regions of Galilee and Judea, the principal Jewish areas in Palestine. His journey was not a tour — it was more like a series of expeditions.
The gospels give us a detailed accounting of these walks and destinations and it is calculated that during the three years of Jesus’ public ministry he walked approximately 3,125 miles.
Let us take a close look at a few key walking trips Jesus took and the distances involved.
A 240 mile round trip
Jesus began his ministry in about 26AD from his home town of Nazareth.
From Nazareth, he crossed the Judea wilderness
Was baptized by John at Bethany (75 miles)
Was tempted in the desert
Traveled back north past Nazareth to Canna where he performed his first miracle
Then continued his ministry locally in Capernaum (the home of Peter) and Nazareth
The round trip would have been 240 miles.
Saint John the Baptist, in the wilderness with his followers, sees Jesus from afar.
Baptism of Jesus and the marriage at Cana, where Jesus performs his first recorded miracle by turning water into wine.
Jesus being tempted in the desert.
The 10 minute Walk that Took 1 Hour
On the day of his death, Jesus was forced to march from the former Antonia fortress to his place of execution. This route was extremely short, about 2000 feet or 1/3 of a mile. It should have taken about 10 minutes. However, after having been scourged and carrying his cross, it took Jesus longer than an hour.
Jesus, on his way to his execution, falls for the first time.
After his Resurrection, a 7 Mile Stroll
The good news is that Jesus’ walking days did not end with his death. The gospels joyously proclaim that Jesus walked in on the apostles unexpectedly in a locked room and later joined two disciples on the road from Jerusalem to Emmaus, about 7 miles.
Jesus and two disciples on the road to Emmaus. At first, his disciples did not recognize him.
A Walk on Water
Perhaps Jesus’ most famous walk was notable for having taken place on water at the sea of Galilee. The Gospel notes that the apostles’ boat was approximately 3.5 miles from shore when they sighted the lord.
“When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.”
— New Testament, John 6:16
BLOG ARCHIVE
All artwork on this page is the work of James Tissot (French, 1836-1902 ) and is housed in the Brooklyn Museum.
Listed from top to bottom:
Saint John the Baptist Sees Jesus from afar, 1886-1894.
The Baptism of Jesus, 1886-1894.
The Marriage at Cana, 1886-1894.
Jesus Tempted in the Wilderness, 1886-1894.
Jesus Falls Beneath the Cross, 1886-1894.
The Pilgrims of Emmaus on the Road, 1886-1894.
Jesus Walks on the Sea, 1886-1894.