Here is an audio link for today’s post.
Seed Basket is beginning a new series. Together, we are going to learn more about the beautiful Mt. of Olives. So much of Jesus’ earthly life was spent in and around Olivet.
The Mount of Olives has a long history in God’s story. The very first time we read about this mountain which faces Jerusalem, is in 2 Samuel 15:30
Olivet is the setting during much of Jesus’ ministry. Jesus told several of the parables at the Mount of Olives. This was also the setting for the Triumphal Entry and the Garden of Gethsemane. It was here where the disciples would watch Him disappear into Heaven. And one day, He will return to this same mountain.
For context, this series begins with Jesus at the Temple in Jerusalem. His message to the Jewish religious leaders sets the tone for the Olivet Discourse found in Matthew 24.
The message of Jesus in this passage is critical. Here, He talks about His abandonment of Israel because of their unfaithfulness, the judgement of Israel and the end of the age.
We will also read about the restoration of Israel, which will happen when Christ returns.
Jesus’ sorrow for Jerusalem was so deeply expressed. If we had been there to witness the scene, we would have probably been drawn to notice the look in His eyes.
If you have ever paid attention to someone who is overwhelmed with grief, you can see the depth of sorrow in their eyes. A person experiencing deep sadness can sometimes make themselves smile, but their eyes will always reveal the reality of aching grief.
“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who have been sent to her!
How often I wanted to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were unwilling.
Behold, your house is being left to you desolate! For I say to you, from now on you will not see Me until you say, ‘Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord!”
Matthew 23:37-39
This passage comes after Jesus has described the wickedness of the hypocritical Pharisees to the crowds of people who were there that day. Included in this group were the disciples.
- …The scribes and the Pharisees have seated themselves in the chair of Moses.
- … do not do as they do; for they say things and do not do them.
- …they tie up heavy burdens and lay them on people’s shoulders
- …but they…are unwilling to move them with so much as their finger.
- …they do all their deeds to be noticed by other people
- …they love the place of honor at banquets, and the seats of honor in the synagogues
- …and being called Rabbi by the people
“…One is your Leader, that is, Christ. But the greatest of you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled, and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.”
Matthew 23:1-12
Then Jesus pronounced a series of “Woes” upon the Pharisees and religious leaders. (Matthew 23:13-29)
Jesus identified their treacherous, evil hearts. Take the time to read these woes. They will give you an insight into the hearts of the Pharisees and other Jews who rejected God.
Near the end of Chapter 23, Jesus’ sorrow has become righteous indignation because of their vile offense to God and because they have misled the people away from salvation.
Read how Jesus unmasks these men.
“…you build the tombs for the prophets and decorate the monuments of the righteous…So you testify against yourselves… You snakes, you offspring of vipers, how will you escape the sentence of hell?“
Mathew 23:29-33
So, Jesus left the temple and took His disciples to the Mount of Olives. Here He would open their spiritual eyes. The disciples would come to have a vibrant faith. But their knowledge would not be complete just yet.
Next week, we will travel to Olivet, with Jesus and His disciples. There we will learn more about the Savior’s love and His plan to redeem Israel.
Share the Good News in your world!
Isaiah 52:7
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
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Statement of Faith
Getting the Seed out of the basket and into hungry hearts. Matthew 13 