The secret. The Lord Jesus had been harshly persecuted by the scribes and Pharisees the day before. But after several unsuccessful attempts to seize and kill Him (7.19,32), they went back to their homes, while the Lord went to the Mount of Olives to pray.

A life based on communion with the Father was the secret to His authority and strength to proceed without falling. Early in the morning, He went to the Temple to do what He had always done – teach people.