Luke 22:39-46 And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.… The mountains are Nature's monuments. Like the islands that dwell apart, and like them that give asylum from a noisy and irreverent world. Many a meditative spirit has found in their silence leisure for the longest thought, and in their Patmos-like seclusion the brightest visions and largest projects have evolved; whilst by a sort of overmastering attraction they have usually drawn to themselves the most memorable incidents which variegate our human history. And, as they are the natural haunts of the highest spirits, and the appropriate scenes of the most signal occurrences, so they are the noblest cenotaphs. I. OLIVET REMINDS US OF THE SAVIOUR'S PITY FOR SUCH AS PERISH (see Luke 19:37-44). That tear fell from an eye which had looked into eternity, and knew the worth of souls. II. THE MOUNT OF OLIVES REMINDS US OF THE REDEEMER'S AGONY TO SAVE. III. The Mount of Olives is identified with the supplications and intercessions of Immanuel, and so suggests to us the Lord Jesus as THE GREAT EXAMPLE IN PRAYER. 1. Submission in prayer. In praying for His people, the Mediator's prayer was absolute: "Father, I will." But in praying for Himself, how altered was the language! "Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as Thou wilt." 2. Perseverance in prayer. The evangelist tells that there was one prayer which Jesus offered three times, and from the Epistle to the Hebrews 5:7, we find that this prayer prevailed. 3. The best preparation for trial is habitual prayer. Long before it became the scene of His agony, Gethsemane had been the Saviour's oratory. "He ofttimes resorted thither." IV. The Mount of Olives recalls to us THE SAVIOUR'S AFFECTION FOR HIS OWN. I fear that the love of Christ is little credited even by those who have some faith in His finished work, and some attachment to His living person. (James Hamilton.) Parallel Verses KJV: And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.WEB: He came out, and went, as his custom was, to the Mount of Olives. His disciples also followed him. |
    |