”And every day he was teaching in the temple, but at night he went out and lodged on the mount called Olivet.“
Luke 21:37 ESV
”When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples.“
John 18:1-2 ESV
”As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”“
Matthew 24:3 ESV
“One day Jesus was praying in a certain place…” Luke 11:1
The Mount of Olives, this was His certain place the last week before His crucifixion. It was here Jesus communed with His Father. He talked with God. He gathered His strength for what lay ahead. His strength came from the Lord the Maker of heaven and earth. There was a garden there. Did it remind Jesus of the Garden He and His Father had planted IN THE BEGINNING? The air permeated with the smell of olives. Did it remind Jesus of the incense burned in the Temple? The incense that rose to heaven representing the prayers of the saints? Whatever it was, this Mount was a Holy Place with Father and Son in intimate conversation preparing for victory.
The garden was named Gethsemane which means oil press. As Jesus pressed His knees into the ground covered with fallen olives, He also pressed into His Father. The night of His arrest He would pray:
”And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”“
Matthew 26:39 ESV
Here in this garden on The Mount of Olives Jesus poured out His heart night after night during that arduous week. He knew another mount lined with Roman execution crosses waited for Him. He knew one of His own would betray Him. In fact Jesus was showing Judas just where He could be found. It was their regular meeting place during that week.
We all have a mountain we are facing. It may not be lined with crucifixion crosses, but we need the Lord no matter what. Do you have that certain place? A holy place where you can fall to your knees and press into God Your Father and cry out, “Not my will but Yours alone!” It is the only place and the Only One who can give You the strength to face your mountains.