Jesus on Mount Olivet Every day Jesus was teaching in the temple, and every night he would go out of the city to the mountain that is called Olivet, so he could pray. The city wall of Jerusalem was only half a mile from the Garden of Gethsemane, which is at the foot of Mount Olivet. The mountain was a Jewish cemetery with gardens, as it continues to be today. Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem While on Mount Olivet, overlooking the city: Jesus prophesied the destruction of Jerusalem (which happened less than 40 years later.) Jesus wept over the city as he prophesied. Matthew 23:37 "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling! Look, your house is left to you desolate." Jesus wept over the tragedies that were coming. In less than 40 years, Jerusalem would be completely destroyed, because they failed to recognize their Messiah even when He did great miracles among them. Easter reminds us that we too have an obligation to recognize Jesus for who he is. We think nothing will happen if we ignore him, But we are hardening our hearts when we do that. Don't let this happen to you. |