Garden of Gethsemane

Following the riding of the colt into Jerusalem, Jesus shared what many call "The Last Supper" with his disciples.  He knew this was the last meal He would share with them and took the opportunity to give him 2 ways to remember Him -- this is why we celebrate Communion or the Lord's Supper at church.  We did visit the "Last Supper" Upper Room, but aside from some columns and stained glass, it wasn't too awe inspiring. And, it is one of those places that is named the "Last Supper Room" by tradition, but no one knows if it happened exactly there or not. So, no pics of that. 

As you can imagine, since Jesus knew His time was drawing to a close, He was greatly troubled.  He needed to pray.  This leads us to our post today about the Garden of Gethsemane.

One thing that we really enjoyed about our tour guide (Ofir Horn - highly recommended especially for those with young children - he was very flexible to accommodate the challenges of touring with 3 children ages 1-7) is that He gave us time to read the Scriptures wherever we went.  Below is a picture of Chelsea reading a portion of the Bible to us.  Reading the passage as we were sitting in the Garden was so powerful.   

Luke 22:39-53

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

The Garden of Gethsemane

39 And He came out and proceeded as was His custom to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples also followed Him. 40 When He arrived at the place, He said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” 41 And He withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and began to pray, 

Modern day view of the Garden of Gethsemane

42 saying, “Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.” 43 [a]Now an angel from heaven appeared to Him, strengthening Him. 44 And being in agony He was praying very fervently; and His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down upon the ground. 

There is a church built at most holy sites now. Here in Gethsemane, the church is called the Basilica of Agony.  This church has a large stone that they say "could have been a rock that Jesus was praying on".  Of course, it likely isn't, but it gives us another visual we can use as we imagine his sweat pouring as drops of blood.

45 When He rose from prayer, He came to the disciples and found them sleeping from sorrow, 46 and said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not enter into temptation.”

Jesus Betrayed by Judas

47 While He was still speaking, behold, a crowd came, and the one called Judas, one of the twelve, was preceding them; and he approached Jesus to kiss Him. 48 But Jesus said to him,“Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” 49 When those who were around Him saw what was going to happen, they said, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?” 50 And one of them struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his right ear. 51 But Jesus answered and said, “[b]Stop! No more of this.” And He touched his ear and healed him. 52 Then Jesus said to the chief priests and officers of the temple and elders who had come against Him, “Have you come out with swords and clubs as you would against a robber? 53 While I was with you daily in the temple, you did not lay hands on Me; but [c]this hour and the power of darkness are yours

Lone olive on a tree in the garden

Olive trees

The word Gethsemane means "oil press".  During biblical times, olives were pressed 3 times.  The first press was given to the church.  The second press was for cooking oil and the 3rd press is used for soap/light. So fitting that this is where Jesus, under such pressure, prayed for deliverance!