Israel: Garden of Gethsemane
On the Mount of Olives
A mountain filled with olive trees overlooks the city of Jerusalem. King David fled to this special place to escape when Absalom rebelled.
But David went up the ascent of the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went, barefoot and with his head covered. And all the people who were with him covered their heads, and they went up, weeping as they went. 2 Samuel 15:30 (ESV)
King Solomon built pagan temples on the Mount of Olives for the gods of his foreign wives (1 Kings 11:7-8), and Ezekiel had a vision of the “Glory of the Lord” ascending from the city and stopping in this same place (Ezekiel 11:23).
Jesus visited the Mount of Olives often. He slept and prayed on the rock among the olive trees.
And every day he was teaching in the temple, but at night he went out and lodged on the mount called Olivet. Luke 21:37 (ESV)
On the Mount of Olives, at The Church of Pator Noster, The Lord’s Prayer is written in over 100 different languages. They even include Braille. Years ago, when my FCA campus huddles represented students from around the world, we often closed our huddle by saying The Lord’s Prayer in every person’s heart language. We didn’t understand each other’s languages, yet were one in spirit.
And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. Luke 22:39 (ESV)
Jesus went down from the Mount of Olives on what we now call Palm Sunday as He triumphantly entered Jerusalem (Luke 19:29-44).
And the prophet Zechariah foretold the events that will happen here at the end of time:
Then the LORD will go out and fight against those nations as when he fights on a day of battle. 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 14:3-4 (ESV)
The Garden of Gethsemane
In Bethany, on the Mount of Olives, Mary demonstrated her love for Jesus by anointing Him with a very expensive nard or perfume, “and she poured it on his head as he reclined at the table” (Matthew 26:7). The perfume, usually placed on kings or used for burial, saturated the air with an aromatic scent. Mary also, “anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair” (John 12:3). Mary’s heart posture displayed the humble respect she held highly for her Savior, and everyone could smell him coming.
In this same space, Jesus prayed with His disciples the night before He was arrested (Matthew 26: 30-56).
Then he said to them, ‘My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.’ Matthew 26:38 (ESV)
Jesus wept for many in the garden, and his heart ached for what was to come.
Has your heart ever been so full of sorrow?
He knows. He felt our pain. The pain you feel, He understands.
Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, ‘My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.’ Matthew 26:42 (ESV)
Fully man, yet fully God, Jesus asked if there was any other way besides drinking from the cup of God’s wrath for God’s will to be done, but there was no other way for mankind to be saved or reconciled back to the Father. Jesus humbled Himself. His heart bowed low. Your will be done.
He became sin, who knew no sinThat we might become His righteousnessHe humbled himself and carried the crossLove so amazing, love so amazingJesus Messiah, name above all namesBlessed redeemer, EmmanuelThe rescue for sinners, the ransom from HeavenJesus Messiah, Lord of allHis body the bread, his blood the wineBroken and poured out all for loveThe whole earth trembled, and the veil was tornLove so amazing, love so amazing, yeah-“Jesus Messiah” by Chris Tomlin
We could imagine the smell of the nard that filled the air, and the moment was beautiful in so many ways.
Your will be done. It was lamb selection day. God’s timing is intentional and perfect.
We saw Jerusalem from a distance and then walked through The Lion’s Gate to enter The Holy Land.
And the day was beautiful in so many ways,
Basking in His Light
Please subscribe
to receive devotionals and ministry updates directly in your inbox!
