The Mount Of Olives

But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. — John 8:1

Today will be a history lesson because the Mount of Olives is an important location for Jesus. The Mount sits 800/ft above sea level and looks down over Jerusalem, which lends itself to the city's best views. This small mountain is a place Jesus traveled over many times during his ministry because this was a connecting road to a nearby town called Bethany, where Jesus stayed frequently. He visited three friends here — Lazarus, Mary, and Martha.

This location is called the Mount of Olives because it was peppered with numerous Olive Trees. Today there are still twenty-three Olive Trees on location in a small preserved garden we know as the Garden of Gethsemane. The trees here are very stunning. Some are known to be over 1000 years old. But most of the Mount of Olives has been a Jewish cemetery for over 3,000 years. It holds about 150,000 graves and it is the burial location for some prominent biblical kings.

But the reason I share this is that six crucial events that involve Jesus occurred on this Mount:

1. Jesus retreated here. (John 8:1)
2. Jesus gave the Olivet Discourse here. (Matthew 24–25)
3. Jesus prays to be delivered from his suffering here. (Matthew 26:36-56)
4. Jesus is betrayed and arrested here. (John 18:1-9)
5. Jesus ascended to heaven here. (Acts 1:11-12)
6. Jesus will return here. (Zechariah 14:4)

On that day his feet shall stand on the Mount of Olives that lies before Jerusalem on the east, and the Mount of Olives shall be split in two from east to west by a very wide valley, so that one half of the Mount shall move northward, and the other half southward. — Zechariah 14:4

I listed these because I want you to see that Jesus was human just like us. He had friends. He had loved ones. He had followers who believed him. He had followers who betrayed him. He had moments he was tired. He had moments he was hopeful. He was let down. He was betrayed. He suffered. And he died. Just like all of us.

And yet, as he went through all this, I believe he looked beyond all of it. He knew he would have the final say and the ultimate victory. He raised from the dead, defeating death for us. And will, one day, return to the Mount to bring us home.

So if you are feeling the weight of your humanity today. Remember your present feelings and experiences are not the end of the story. Look up. Keep your eyes fixed on the one who authored your story and knows the end. He going to make a big comeback. He's coming back for you.

ASK THIS: In what ways do you feel the weight of your humanity today?

DO THIS: Ask God to come to you.

PRAY THIS: God, please come soon.

PLAY THIS: Come, Lord Jesus.