John 8 Commentary

Where is “Mount of Olives” (John 8:1)?
The Mount of Olives run directly east of Jerusalem, across the Kidron Valley, is more of a tall hill than a mountain (photo), and overlooks “the temple” (John 8:2) of Jerusalem.

Why did Jesus go to the Mount of Olives?
He spent the night there, either sleeping or praying, until “early” the next “morning” (John 8:1).

Why did Jesus spend the night there instead of at His "house" (John 7:53) like everyone else?
He didn't have a house to go to: And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air, nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head” (Luke 9:58).

Couldn't He afford one?
Jesus created (see Genesis 1) and owns everything in the universe but chose to forego materialistic comforts and assets.

Did Jesus or His disciples at least dress well?
No, and Jesus said that those who dress well are politicians, not His disciples: “But what did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those in gorgeous clothing and living in luxury are in kings’ courts” (Luke 7:25).

Then why do some “Christian” leaders wear gorgeous clothing and live in luxury?
They have no Biblical justification for it. Instead of heeding Jesus' command to “give to the poor” (Mark 10:21), they tell the poor to give to them and then live in luxury while millions starve around the world. Or they collect money for those starving around the world and then keep disproportionate shares of it for themselves. Their lifestyle and deceit are abominations that betray Jesus' example and teaching, and qualify them as hirelings or wolves in sheep's clothing, not as true servants of God and servant leaders of His church.

How can those who live in luxury be identified?
Require their churches and ministries to publish detailed, annual, audited financial reports that include the salary, non-salary compensation, and expense allowance for each individual leader.

“What if the ministry I support doesn't publish financial reports but has a board of directors that includes the leaders of other prominent ministries?”
Such leaders often sit on each other's boards and approve each other's exorbitant compensations. If they feel right about their compensation, they should have no problem disclosing it to their supporters.