27b — Garden of Gethsemane
Go with Jesus to Gethsemane —
According to the Scriptures, the Garden of Gethsemane is a grove of olive trees near Jerusalem where Jesus was betrayed by his disciple Judas Iscariot.
It was a predictable place for Judas to lead the Jewish leaders to find Jesus, because he knew of his Master’s custom to go there at night, kneel down under the olives trees, and pray.
In fact, the name Gethsemane comes from a Hebrew word meaning “oil press.”
Garden of Gethsemane, Mount of Olives in modern day Jerusalem, Israel. Since olive trees can live 2,000 years, Jesus may have knelt to pray at the base of one these very trees.
Luke 22:41-44 (NASB) describes this emotionally difficult time there in the garden.
Read and complete each item.
1) Jesus was in agony. What is another word for agony?
2) Jesus was praying very fervently concerning what was about to happen.
What is another word for fervently?
3) His sweat became like drops of __________ falling down upon the ground.
4) Jesus even asked his Father to change his plan. What are the exact words he prayed?
Gethsemane by Carl Bloch, 1873. “An angel from heaven appeared to Him, strengthening Him.” Luke 22:43
In the end, though, Jesus accepted and submitted to his Father’s will for him and rose to meet his betrayer.
My Prayer
Here is a rewording of the song Gethsemane by Roger and Melanie Hoffman.
Use this as your heartfelt prayer of thanks to Jesus.
Dearest Jesus,
You climbed the hill slowly to the Garden of Gethsemane — you knew what the next day would bring.
You felt the horror of everything that was sad, wicked, and painful —
All of our sins were heavy on your heart.
It was love that made you look forward and not back.
There on your knees in great emotional pain, you asked your Father to design another plan.
He reminded you that there was no other plan.
This was the hardest spiritual battle anyone has ever fought.
This was the greatest spiritual battle anyone has ever won.
You had made a promise long ago and were determined to keep it.
You rose to your feet knowing what lay ahead and you went willingly.
Thank you for your gift to me in Gethsemane.
Thank you so very much for your unselfish love.
Amen.
