The Mount of Olives, east of the Temple Mount across the Kidron Valley, holds profound significance. It is the site of the Miphkad altar on its southern peak, where sin offerings and the red heifer were burned outside the camp. This location aligns with Jesus' crucifixion near the city, outside the eastern gate, visible to the Temple. It is where Jesus ascended to heaven and will return, as prophesied in Zechariah 14:4. The mount also marks the start of His triumphal entry, His arrest in Gethsemane, and offers a direct view of the Temple's torn veil during the crucifixion, reinforcing its pivotal role in divine events.

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Led Outside the Gate

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

The Mount of Olives holds significant relevance to the events surrounding Jesus Christ's crucifixion. At the time of the crucifixion, the miphkad altar, known as the appointed place, stood on a slope of the Mount of Olives, east of the Temple Mount, separated by the Brook Kidron. This location was outside the camp of Jerusalem, aligning with the requirement to burn sin offering remains away from God's presence, as instructed in Leviticus. The eastern gate of the Temple, appropriately named the miphkad gate, facilitated the path over the Kidron Valley bridge to this altar for the disposal of sacrificial remains. Hebrews 13:11-12 connects this "outside the camp" location with Christ's crucifixion, being outside the gate. Additionally, from this area near the miphkad altar on the Mount of Olives, the centurion with Jesus could witness the veil of the Temple torn in two, an event visible due to the specific angles and elevations of this site. Historically, the miphkad gate and Kidron bridge also served a purpose on the Day of Atonement, as the azazel goat was led through this eastern route into the wilderness, bearing the sins of the nation.

Eden, The Garden, and The Two Trees (Part Three)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The Mount of Olives holds a significant place in the spiritual geography of the Promised Land, being part of the land of Moriah alongside Mount Moriah and Mount Zion, all later incorporated into the city of Jerusalem. It was from the Mount of Olives that Jesus ascended after His resurrection, and it is to this same mount that He will return. The southern peak of the Mount of Olives is the location of the Miphkad altar, also known as the altar of the Red Heifer, positioned outside the camp and beyond the eastern gate of Jerusalem, about 3,000 feet from the central part of the Holy Place. This altar, used for burning certain sin offerings, stands in a humble, ground-level setting and is linked to the purification rites involving the ashes of the Red Heifer. The Mount of Olives is also intricately connected to the events surrounding Jesus' life and crucifixion. It served as the starting point for His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, where He was proclaimed King by the people, and it was in the Garden of Gethsemane on the side of this mount that He was arrested. The crucifixion of Jesus occurred near the city, outside the camp and the eastern gate, in clear sight of the Temple, aligning with the vicinity of the Miphkad altar on the Mount of Olives. This location fits the Roman criteria for crucifixion sites, being the scene of the perceived crime, the place of arrest, and a high, visible area. Furthermore, the term Golgotha, associated with the crucifixion site, relates to a place of counting or polling, tied to the Miphkad meaning of numbering, reinforcing its position on the Mount of Olives. This mount, directly east of the Temple, provided a straight-line view where the tearing of the Temple's massive curtain was visible to many witnesses during the crucifixion.

Eden, The Garden, and the Two Trees (Part Two)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The Mount of Olives holds a significant place in the geographical focus of God's attention, being directly east of Mount Moriah and the Temple Mount, across the Kidron Valley, at a distance of less than one mile. This proximity underscores its importance in the spiritual landscape, as it is adjacent to the Temple Mount, which is central to God's dwelling place on earth. The Mount of Olives is the location where Jesus Christ ascended to heaven, and it is prophesied in Zechariah 14:4 that His feet shall stand upon this mount on the day of His return, causing it to cleave and form a great valley. Furthermore, it is believed that Abraham built an altar on the Mount of Olives, looking west toward the Temple Mount, aligning with the divine pattern of God's house. Additionally, the Mount of Olives features the Miphkad altar, located on its southern peak, about 2000 cubits east of the Temple, where specific sacrifices, such as the red heifer, were burned outside the camp, symbolizing a separation from God's immediate presence. This area, encompassing the Mount of Olives, remains a pivotal site where God's work began, continued, and will ultimately conclude.

Garden of Gethsemane: The Oil Press

Sermonette by Ted E. Bowling

The Garden of Gethsemane has particular significance because it was not only an olive grove, but also the location where olives were pressed into oil.

Eden, The Garden, and the Two Trees (Part One)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

We we follow God's patterns, Jerusalem becomes the likely location of the Garden of Eden and the likely location for the future, heavenly Jerusalem.

Thy Kingdom Come

Sermonette by Ronny H. Graham

Most professing Christians hold to the pagan belief that heaven is the reward of the saved, imagining that they will waft off to heaven at death.

After the Resurrection

Sermon by Mark Schindler

The absence of the 100 pounds of aloes, the folded 'turban,' and the rolled away stone indicate that a thorough cleansing and purification had occurred.

Is Heaven the Reward of the Saved?

'Ready Answer' by Staff

Most of Christianity believes humans go to heaven or hell after death. This belief does not originate in the Bible, which reveals a very different destiny.

John (Part Twenty-Six)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

While the other accounts of Jesus' trial and crucifixion seem to show passivity, John shows Jesus totally in charge, purposefully and courageously moving.

My House or God's?

'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe

In a revealing passage (John 7:53-8:1), the apostle John contrasts Jesus Christ to the Jews. God wants His people to prioritize Him above themselves.

1335

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Charles Whitaker

Two of Daniel's prophecies differ by 75 days, perhaps paralleling the 75 dramatic days between the resurrections of Lazarus and Jesus Christ.

The Future's So Bright I Gotta Wear Shades

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Millennium will come about because Jesus Christ is faithful to rescue mankind from its own stupidity, putting an end to sin and rebellion.

Jesus in the Feasts (Part Three): Divine King

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The trumpet blast is both a memorial and a proclamation that Almighty God is present, powerful, and personal, reminding us how we must respond.

Jesus and the Feast (Part Three): Light of the World

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Many scholars believe that John 7:53 to 8:11 was added because the style differs, but the verses are incredibly consistent with one another.

John 7:37 Examined (Part One)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The Eighth Day (or Last Great Day) is a separate festival from the Feast of Tabernacles, which can only derive its significance in the New Testament.

The Works of the Devil Destroyed

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Satan and his demons know that their time is short and are determined to destroy as many people as possible, especially the Israel of God.

Why Are We Here? (2004)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. Reid

Keeping the Feast of Tabernacles includes temporary dwellings, rejoicing before God, and learning to fear God and faithfully keep His law.