The last few days I have been reading of the final days of Jesus. One thing has jumped off the pages of Scripture and spoken to my heart.
Prayer!
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but My Words will not pass away. 34 Watch yourselves! Do not let yourselves be loaded down with too much eating and strong drink. Do not be troubled with the cares of this life. If you do, that day will come on you without you knowing it. 35 It will come on all people over all the earth. 36 Be sure you watch. Pray all the time so that you may be able to keep from going through all these things that will happen and be able to stand before the Son of Man.”
37 Everyday Jesus taught in the house of God. At night He went to the Mount of Olives and stayed there. 38 Early in the morning all the people came to the house of God to hear Him.” Luke 21:33-38 NLV
Jesus was teaching about the struggles that believers, His followers, would face before His return. He wanted them to be prepared – He wants us to be prepared. His instruction was simple, watch and pray.
The Bible tells that Jesus would rise early and go to a solitary place to pray. His life was such an example of prayer that His disciples asked Him, “Lord, teach us to pray”.
I’ve never been to Israel but the pictures I have seen of the Mount of Olives are beautiful. It’s a peaceful place, a place to be alone, a place to commune with the Father. It seems to be separated from the city, a destination to be planned. It required a walk away from distractions.
Everyday Jesus taught and at night He went to the Mount of Olives. This was His routine. This is how Judas knew where Jesus would be when he betrayed Him.
“Judas went away and talked with the religious leaders,,. He talked about how he might hand Jesus over to them. 5 They were glad and promised to pay him money. 6 Judas promised to do this and then looked for a way to hand Jesus over when there were no people around.” Luke 22:4-6 NLV
Jesus celebrated the Passover meal with His disciples. He told them of His death and then they followed Him to the Mount of Olives to pray. It was here that Jesus committed His will to the Father. He laid down His life emotionally and willfully before He gave up His life physically.
In prayer He gained strength from the Father for the persecution He would face in the hours to come.
“ Jesus came out of the room. Then He went to the Mount of Olives as He had been doing. The followers went with Him…There He got down with His face on the ground and prayed. 42 He said, ‘Father, if it can be done, take away what must happen to Me. Even so, not what I want, but what You want.‘ 43 An angel from heaven came and gave Him strength. 44 His heart was much troubled and He prayed all the more.” Luke 22:41-44 NLV
Where is your Mount of Olives? Is it a garden bench, a comfy recliner, a corner in your bedroom or some other quiet place? Where do you go when you’re troubled?
Whenever you meet with the Father in prayer, you will find strength.