As he was wont, to the mount of Olives (κατὰ τὸ ἔθος εἰς τὸ Ὄρος τῶν Ἐλαιῶν, kata to ethos eis to Oros tōn Elaiōn)—Luke emphasizes Jesus' habit (ἔθος, ethos) of praying at the Mount of Olives, mentioned throughout His final week (19:37, 21:37). This wasn't a random location but His customary retreat for communion with the Father. John identifies this as the Garden of Gethsemane (John 18:1-2), a place Judas knew precisely because Jesus frequented it.
Christ's predictability reveals His submission—He didn't flee or hide, though He knew Judas would bring the arresting party to this exact spot. While others sought safety, Jesus sought prayer. The Mount of Olives was thick with olive trees used for oil pressing (the name 'Gethsemane' means 'oil press'), providing apt imagery for the crushing spiritual anguish Jesus would endure there. His disciples followed him (ἠκολούθησαν, ēkolouthēsan), but their following would soon be tested to the breaking point.
Historical Context
The Mount of Olives rises east of Jerusalem across the Kidron Valley, approximately 2,600 feet elevation. Covered with olive groves, it provided a quiet refuge from the city's crowds. Wealthy residents maintained private gardens there; Gethsemane likely belonged to a sympathizer who gave Jesus access. During Passover, Jerusalem's population swelled from 50,000 to over 200,000, making lodging scarce—staying on the Mount of Olives was common for pilgrims. Jesus' custom of praying there (Luke 21:37) made His location predictable, enabling Judas to betray Him efficiently.
Questions for Reflection
What does Jesus' 'custom' of prayer in Gethsemane reveal about the foundation He had built before His greatest trial?
How does Christ's deliberate choice to be findable by Judas demonstrate His voluntary sacrifice?
Where is your 'Mount of Olives'—your habitual place of prayer—and how consistently do you retreat there?
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Analysis & Commentary
As he was wont, to the mount of Olives (κατὰ τὸ ἔθος εἰς τὸ Ὄρος τῶν Ἐλαιῶν, kata to ethos eis to Oros tōn Elaiōn)—Luke emphasizes Jesus' habit (ἔθος, ethos) of praying at the Mount of Olives, mentioned throughout His final week (19:37, 21:37). This wasn't a random location but His customary retreat for communion with the Father. John identifies this as the Garden of Gethsemane (John 18:1-2), a place Judas knew precisely because Jesus frequented it.
Christ's predictability reveals His submission—He didn't flee or hide, though He knew Judas would bring the arresting party to this exact spot. While others sought safety, Jesus sought prayer. The Mount of Olives was thick with olive trees used for oil pressing (the name 'Gethsemane' means 'oil press'), providing apt imagery for the crushing spiritual anguish Jesus would endure there. His disciples followed him (ἠκολούθησαν, ēkolouthēsan), but their following would soon be tested to the breaking point.