"Olive Trees"

“Olive Trees”

One of our stops in Jerusalem was the Garden of Gethsemane where we had a group devotional as well as a time for personal reflection on Jesus’ anguish and arrest. The name probably comes from an Aramaic word meaning “oil press” because of the presence of a large number of olive trees. They’re found in different parts of the world but the ten leading olive growing countries are in the Mediterranean area because of the demand for its fruit, especially in national cuisine. Some are used in salads or as side dishes but most commonly for oil production. If the pressure to release the liquid is light the result is virgin oil, medium brings a less pure product and heavy yields a commercial grade used in lamps. But it was the trees themselves which were most fascinating to me.

Olive trees belong to the evergreen family. They aren’t particularly large, averaging 25-50 feet in height, but are wide in comparison and extremely durable. In the Garden there’s one estimated to be 2000 years old, meaning it’s likely it was a seedling during the time Christ was on earth. They continuously spawn new growth which keeps them productive for long periods of time. And the wood is very hard and strong, making it valuable for kitchen utensils, furniture and ornamental carvings (we bought one of a nativity scene at a shop owned by a Christian family in Bethlehem).

The Apostle Paul uses the olive tree as a symbol of Israel to describe the relationship of Jews and Gentiles in God’s family (Romans 11:17-24). It can also picture God’s unconditional love (“…I am like an olive tree…I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever.”—Psalm 52:8); the church’s endurance (“…I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”—Matthew 16:18); and the new growth that would continue far beyond Jesus’ earthly ministry as well as that of His apostles (“I pray…for those who will believe in me through {my disciples’} message….”—John 17:20).

I don’t like olives (especially the black ones) but appreciate the truth God conveys through them, above all that He loves me (and you) beyond measure forever (“Unfailing love surrounds those who trust the Lord.”—Psalm 32:10, NLT). Let’s bask in it—it’s meant for us all.

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

(Thanks to Karen and Garth and Tannie Groves for their input in preparing these articles.)