Scripture to Read: John 7:53, 8:1—2
When the Feast of Booths ended, everyone returned home, but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. It’s verses like John 8:1, But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives, that we can overlook if we’re not careful. God put this in His Word so we would pay attention to the details of Jesus’ life. Jesus was in constant fellowship with our Heavenly Father during His time here on earth. To understand the significance of The Mount of Olives, we must know that it was one of the places that Jesus often retreated to so He could pray and have intimate fellowship with our Heavenly Father. The Mount of Olives is considered sacred and is mentioned in the Old and New Testaments. It was also on the Mount of Olives where Jesus prayed before His betrayal and crucifixion. But then, the Mount of Olives was the same place where Jesus triumphantly ascended into Heaven (Matthew 28:16-20, Luke 22:39–44, Acts 1:11). The Mount of Olives also is the place of our Lord’s victorious second coming (Zechariah 14:4). So, the Mount of Olives is considered a sacred Biblical location that is central to God’s plan of redemption. So, after Jesus spent the night on the Mount of Olives, He went to the temple early the following day. When the people saw Him, they came to Him, and He began teaching (John 8:2). Jesus always used every opportunity to teach those around Him. We must do the same, constantly being aware of the opportunities God gives us to share Him with others (Colossians 4:3–4).
Challenge & Application
• Where do you retreat to so you can spend intimate time with our Heavenly Father and be in His Word?
• What opportunities has God given you over the past few weeks to be a witness for Him?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!