Tuesday… the Journey to the Cross

The Mount of Olives is east of Jerusalem’s Old City. It is named for the olive groves that once covered its slopes. At the foot of the mountain, adjacent to the Church of All Nations, is the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus gave the most of the Olivet Discourse on the Mount of Olives.

Jesus leaves Bethany early in the morning and on the way to Jerusalem the disciples see the fig tree that He had cursed. The tree had withered down to its roots and the disciples wonder how this could happen so quickly. Jesus then talks to the disciples about faith.

This is a day full of contention as the chief priests challenge Jesus’ authority.

Upon entering the Temple the chief priests approach Jesus and ask Him, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” He astounds the leaders and His disciples with His answers.

On His way back to Bethany, Jesus stops on the Mount of Olives and talks about the coming destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple. It is called the Olivet Discourse in which He instructs them to be prepared for His return.

Some theologians believe that this could have been the night that Judas began his bargaining with the Sanhedrin to betray Jesus.