What is the Significance of the Mount of Olives to Us?

by Doreen Kajulu | 2 December 2020 08:46 pm12

The Mount of Olives is one of the seven mountains surrounding Jerusalem, located on the eastern side of the city in Israel. It is less than a kilometer away from the city center, making it easily accessible. This mountain is called the Mount of Olives because of the many olive trees that grow on its slopes, symbolizing peace and divine blessing.

The Mount of Olives is significant both in the Old and New Testaments. It is first mentioned in the Old Testament in 2 Samuel 15:30, during the time when King David fled from his son Absalom’s rebellion. The Bible describes David ascending the mountain, weeping, as he departed from Jerusalem:

“But David continued up the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went; his head was covered and he was barefoot. All the people with him covered their heads too and were weeping as they went up.” (2 Samuel 15:30, NIV)

This moment highlights the mountain’s connection to sorrow and the consequences of sin. David’s ascent is an image of humiliation, reflecting the depth of his loss and the brokenness of his kingdom due to sin.

The second significant Old Testament reference to the Mount of Olives is found in the book of Zechariah, where the prophet foresees the second coming of the Messiah. Zechariah prophesies that the Messiah will return to this mountain to judge the nations and establish His reign:

“On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split in two from east to west, forming a great valley, with half of the mountain moving north and half moving south.” (Zechariah 14:4, NIV)

This prophecy points to a dramatic event at the end of time when the Messiah will physically return to the earth to defeat evil and usher in God’s eternal kingdom. The splitting of the mountain signifies a transformative moment in history, symbolizing the ultimate triumph of God’s justice.

In the New Testament, the Mount of Olives is closely associated with the ministry of Jesus. He delivered significant teachings on the end times from this mountain. For instance, in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21, Jesus speaks to His disciples about the signs of the times, the coming of the Son of Man, and the end of the age, all while on the Mount of Olives. In particular, Matthew 24:3 states:

“As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. ‘Tell us,’ they said, ‘when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?’” (Matthew 24:3, NIV)

Jesus also wept over the city of Jerusalem while on the Mount of Olives, lamenting its impending destruction for rejecting Him:

“As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, ‘If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes.’” (Luke 19:41-42, NIV)

The Mount of Olives was also the site of Jesus’ ascension into heaven, marking the end of His earthly ministry. After His resurrection, He appeared to His disciples and gave them final instructions before ascending to the Father:

“After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them.” (Acts 1:9-10, NIV)

The angelic message that follows assures the disciples that Jesus will return in the same way, signaling the promise of His second coming.

Does This Mountain Hold Any Significance for Us Today?

The Mount of Olives holds prophetic significance for Christians because it is the site where Jesus will return to judge the nations and establish His kingdom. In Zechariah 14:4, we see the dramatic splitting of the Mount of Olives during the second coming of Christ:

“On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split in two from east to west, forming a great valley, with half of the mountain moving north and half moving south.” (Zechariah 14:4, NIV)

This event signifies the ultimate victory of Christ over the forces of evil and His establishment of a new kingdom of peace and justice. The Bible speaks of a period when Christ will reign for a thousand years, and the earth will be renewed. This reign is described in Revelation 20:6:

“Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.” (Revelation 20:6, NIV)

For those who are saved, this time will be one of unparalleled peace and joy, as the world is restored to its original state of perfection, free from sin and suffering.

Is It Correct to Go and Pray on the Mount of Olives?

Many people make pilgrimages to Jerusalem, believing that praying at sacred locations like the Mount of Olives, the Western Wall, or the Jordan River will bring them closer to God. While these places hold historical and spiritual significance, the Bible teaches us that the location of worship is no longer as important as the condition of the heart.

In John 4:21-24, Jesus told the Samaritan woman that the time had come when true worshipers would worship God in spirit and truth, not bound to a specific location:

“Jesus declared, ‘Believe me, woman, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. … Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.’” (John 4:21-24, NIV)

The covenant of Christ, established by His blood, is a heavenly covenant that allows believers to pray anywhere, as long as they are in Christ. The key to being heard by God is not the location of your prayer, but the relationship you have with Jesus. As Romans 8:15-16 explains:

“The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” (Romans 8:15-16, NIV)

To enter into this relationship with God, one must first believe in Jesus Christ, repent of their sins, and be baptized in His name, receiving the Holy Spirit. This is the true covenant that allows us to approach God directly.

Are You Part of This Covenant?

Have you entered into this new covenant through faith in Jesus Christ? Do you understand that He is coming again soon, and His return will bring about judgment and the establishment of His kingdom? If you are not yet in this covenant, now is the time to make that decision. 2 Peter 3:9 reminds us that God is patient, but His return is certain:

“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9, NIV)

Do not wait until it is too late. Christ’s return is imminent, and only those who have entered into the covenant through faith in Him will be saved. If you are ready, open your heart to Jesus today and receive the promise of salvation and eternal life. This is the wise and necessary choice for everyone.

May you be blessed as you make this decision today!

Source URL: https://wingulamashahidi.org/en/2020/12/02/what-is-the-significance-of-the-mount-of-olives-to-us/

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