With head covered and feet bare, King David retreated to the Mount of Olives in brokenness and humiliation as his son, Absalom, attempted a coup. David knew that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. He didn’t stay to defend his throne, but simply withdrew and sought the Lord. He released the full weight of sorrow, leading his people to follow his example. David showed just how dependent he was on the Lord, even after reigning as king for many years. He would rather God move on his behalf than pursue self-preservation in his own strength.

A thousand years later, another king would retreat to this same mountain. Heartrending prayer would pour forth as Jesus processed the agonizing road ahead with His Father. He too faced an ancient enemy who hungered for his throne. And here, on the same ground that David sought refuge a millennium prior, Jesus crucified His own desires and resolved to His Father’s painful, yet perfect, plan of the cross.