April 4 – The Mount of Olives A Place of Retreat (Tuesday)
by Jerry Burden
Read: Signs of the End of the Age (Matthew 24:1-4)
Key Verse: Jesus replied to them, “Watch out that no one deceives you.”
The Mount of Olives is located to the east of Jerusalem across the Kidron Valley opposite the Eastern Gate. Its significance lies in the fact that Jesus often taught and prayed here. It is in this place that He shares with His disciples what we know as the Olivet Discourse recorded in Matthew 24–25.
Jesus opens this discourse in Matthew 24:1-4 by foretelling the destruction of the Temple. He departs, going to the Mount of Olives where He is stopped and questioned by His disciples as to when will these circumstances occur and what will be the signs. Jesus exhorts them to be careful and not to be deceived by false prophets, hatred, and wars. He then proceeds to share details of events that are to come.
In the remainder of the discourse, Jesus speaks of his return when He will right every wrong. He will one day rule as Everlasting King. The Mount of Olives becomes a place of hope. He is our HOPE!
At the Mount of Olives, Jesus prepares His disciples for suffering ahead. But He will return with power and glory and gather the people He has died to redeem. He is our REDEEMER!
He assures His followers that the final victory will be complete at this place where He will come again to rule in righteousness and justice (Zech. 14:4). The Mount of Olives becomes a place of victory, He is our KING!
The Mount of Olives is a sacred place in Scripture. It is a real place. You and I need places in our lives that are special places where we go to be reminded of God’s faithfulness in our lives. Places where we pray, find hope, understand our redemption and experience victory! So where is your place?