Where Is Your Mount of Olives?

It was on the last and greatest day of the “Feast of Booths” that Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me, let him drink who believes in me from within him rivers of living water shall flow” (John 7:37-38). The jury was still out on Jesus as many scribes and Pharisees would not accept this prophet coming from Galilee. So, what does Jesus do? He retreats to the Mount of Olives as a place of refuge and prayer. Noise and division were silenced. He had the undivided attention of His Father to restore and re-energize him on his mission of redemption.

At daybreak, he went to the temple area ready to teach once again. He taught of mercy and forgiveness while reminding us that we are all sinners when he forgave the adulteress. “Nor do I condemn you. You may go. But from now on, avoid this sin” (8:11). Jesus then eloquently shared, “I am the light of the word. No follower of mine shall ever walk in the darkness; no, he shall possess the light of life” (8:12).

Jesus carved out time to pray. Let go of everything that does not draw you closer to Jesus.