in the middle east

We recently took a morning to explore the well-known Mt. of Olives that stands just East of the Old City of Jerusalem. It is separated by a deep valley called the Kidron, and stands much higher than Jerusalem itself. It has a rich history from biblical times: It is here that David ascended when he had to flee Jerusalem because of his son, Absalom's revolt (2Samuel 15), the prophet Zechariah saw visions of the Mt. of Olives in relation to Yahweh's plan to usher the world into the new creation (Zechariah 14:3-5), and it is here that Jesus spent much time before he brought the world one step closer to the new creation by his death and resurrection (Luke 21:37). The last night before his death was spent in the Garden of Gethsemane, at the foot of the Mt. (Mark 14:32-42). Today, it is a busy tourist center. A paved street cuts through the Garden of Gethsemane, and the hillsides are filled with holy sites and vendors making money off of tourists. A rather stark contrast from the somber events that took place here in biblical times. But, I suppose, we should expect no less. The Mt. is marked mostly by Christian churches and chapels, some of which display amazing architecture and art. To experience a bit of the Mt. of Olives, just Click Here.