The Mount of Olives is justifiably famous for being the place Jesus’ arrest by the Roman authorities. Yet, for Jesus and his contemporaries, it had meaning far, far beyond.
When Jesus went to pray with his disciples at the Mount of Olives the night of his arrest (and before), he wasn’t just looking for quiet and solitude. The (Old Testament) prophet Zechariah foretold that the coming messiah, who will become king over all the earth, “shall stand on the Mount of Olives.” Jesus’ presence on the hilltop itself had immense meaning. It was yet another indication that he was much, much more than a great teacher or prophet. That he was, and is, the King of Kings.
The same lesson applies to us: what we do has meaning that goes far beyond face value. We call ourselves Christians, but being a follower of Christ involves much more than this self-identification. Our words and actions are a reflection to other people what Christianity is all about, whether we know it (and like it) or not. This Lent, may God help us become followers of Jesus Christ down to the very core of our being.
I invite you to pray:
God, I accept you as my King. Help me to know and do your will. May my life bring glory to your name. Amen.
God, I accept you as my King. Help me to know and do your will. May my life bring glory to your name. Amen.
