Jesus went unto the mount of Olives — Jesus departs the temple and the city, going to the Mount of Olives, which overlooks Jerusalem from the east. The detail is historically plausible: the Mount was a place of solitude outside the walls. In John's symbolic geography, the Mount of Olives represents a place of refuge and waiting, away from the city's deadly hostility. The movement outward prepares for Jesus's return with renewed confrontation. The note of retreat is temporary; by 8:12, he will return to the temple to teach.

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