The Mount of Olives (also known as Olivet), so called from the olive trees on its sides, is a ridge on the eastern side of Jerusalem, from which it is separated by the valley of Kidron. The mount is approximately a Sabbath-day’s journey from Jerusalem (or less than half a mile (2,000 cubits), which according to Jewish tradition was the allowable distance a person could travel on the Sabbath day without violating the law). Its first mention in scripture is during King David's flight from Jerusalem due to the rebellion of Absalom (2Samuel 15:30).

     The Mount of Olives plays a pivotal role in the ministry of Jesus. It was from the mount that Jesus wept over the city of Jerusalem (Luke 19:37-44). Jesus often taught his disciples while on the mount. It was from this location that he gave prophecies concerning the global trials and tribulations that will occur just before his second coming (Matthew 24).

     It was also to the mount (the garden of Gethsemane lies at the foot of the mount of Olives) that Jesus led the disciples after eating the Passover ("last supper") so that he could pray and await his betrayal by Judas (Matthew 26:30-56). And when the cup of God's wrath had been drunk, and death and the grave conquered, Jesus led his disciples out again over Olivet as far as to Bethany, and after a parting blessing ascended to heaven (Luke 24:50-51).