In the Old Testament, the Mount of Olives (a hill lying east of Jerusalem) is associated with sad events. David fled from his son Absalom and wept as he climbed up that hill (2 Samuel 15:30). King Solomon built altars, shrines, and high places for the worship of Chemosh and Molech there (1 Kings 11:7), until it was known as the Mount of Corruption or the Mount of Destruction (2 Kings 23:13). The hill was a reminder of what happened when people did evil in the eyes of the Lord and refused to repent of their sins.

Like many of their contemporaries, Jesus’ disciples were impressed by the architectural beauty of the temple. But not Jesus. At the Mount of Olives, as He looked upon the temple before them, Jesus told His disciples about the forthcoming destruction of the temple (Mark 13:1–4). His repeated use of the words “Beware” (three times in vv . 5, 9, 33 NRSV) and “Keep awake” (twice in vv. 35, 37 NRSV) emphasised how much He wanted the disciples to be prepared for the destruction of the temple and to keep watch for His return (vv. 5–37). He did not want them to be caught unaware and led astray.

The warnings of Jesus also speak to us today. As we stand on our “Mount of Olives” and look at the external beauty of our lives, we may be tempted to think that all is well with us. But if we are honest with ourselves as we take a hard look deep within, what will we find? Are we like the people in the Bible who refused to repent of their sins? Or are we prepared to keep watch and be ready at all times for the second coming of Jesus? May we examine our lives and live in light of His coming, so that we will not drop our guard and be complacent.