The Garden of Gethsemane in Jerusalem was a public place, below the Olive Groves of the mount of Olives. It was here that Jesus came after the Passover Meal he had shared with his Disciples in the Upper Room. Distressed and aware of the trials the next few hours would bring he withdrew into the heart of the Garden. Asking his Disciples to watch and wait with him he wrestled in prayer. He wrestled with the harsh reality of what his arrest would bring - humiliation, separation, torture and death. He wrestled with his desire to be spared all of that. He prayed for strength in the midst of this anguish. Luke, in his gospel says he was so distressed that he "sweated drops like blood". He prayed in this terrifying and lonely hour that he would not have to endure this trial.
It was here in the Garden that his disciples, full after their meal, struggled to stay awake and support him. They let him down, they misunderstood him, they abandoned him.
In this Garden he heard the footsteps of the Guards that came from the Temple. It was here where Judas kissed him on the cheek , to indicate to the Guard in the dark of the night, which was the man they had come for. It was here that his followers abandoned him and left him to those who came to arrest him. They left him to face the torment and injustice alone.
As we come to the garden of Gethsemane we can ponder our loyalty - his loneliness - our frailty - his love for us, that in the middle of a terrifying and lonely night, he surrendered his will to God's, knowing this was for the sake of all who follow him.
Mark Chapter 14
Jesus Prays in the Garden of Gethsemane
They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, "Sit here while I pray." He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death," he said to them. "Stay here and keep watch." Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. "Abba, Father," he said, "everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will." Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Simon," he said to Peter, "are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour? Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." Once more he went away and prayed the same thing. When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. They did not know what to say to him. Returning the third time, he said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!"
Jesus Arrested
Just as he was speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: "The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard." Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, "Rabbi!" and kissed him. The men seized Jesus and arrested him. Then one of those standing near drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. "Am I leading a rebellion," said Jesus, "that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled." Then everyone deserted him and fled. A young man, wearing nothing but a linen garment, was following Jesus. When they seized him, he fled naked, leaving his garment behind.
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Click for a Meditative Guide for your visit to the Garden
