The location of Jesus’ burial has been debated for centuries, with two main sites emerging: the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Garden Tomb. While Protestants often favor the Garden Tomb for its serene setting and alignment with certain biblical details, archaeological and historical evidence increasingly supports the Holy Sepulchre as the authentic site.
The Garden Tomb, popularized in the 19th century, features a stone groove matching the biblical description of a rolled-away stone and sits near Skull Hill, a rock formation resembling a skull. However, Israeli archaeologist Gabriel Barkay dated the tomb to the 8th or 7th century BC, with later Byzantine reuse—far older than the “new tomb” described in John 19:41. This undermines claims of its connection to Jesus. In contrast, the Holy Sepulchre, though now within Jerusalem’s walls, was outside the city during Jesus’ crucifixion, aligning with Hebrews 13:12. Early Christian tradition consistently identified this site, with Emperor Constantine’s 4th-century excavations uncovering a tomb venerated since the 1st century.
Protestant preference for the Garden Tomb arose partly from skepticism toward Catholic and Orthodox traditions tied to the Holy Sepulchre. Yet the Holy Sepulchre’s historical continuity—maintained through centuries of documentation and pilgrimage—strengthens its case. Pastor Jeremiah Johnston’s support for the Holy Sepulchre likely hinges on this unbroken tradition and the lack of conclusive evidence for the Garden Tomb’s association with Jesus.
Both sites serve as powerful reminders of Christ’s resurrection. The Garden Tomb’s simplicity resonates with Evangelicals seeking a tangible connection to Scripture, while the Holy Sepulchre embodies the communal memory of early Christians. Ultimately, the debate highlights how faith and history intersect, with the Holy Sepulchre’s archaeological and historical credentials offering compelling—though not definitive—proof of its authenticity.
