Gethsemane
“Oil press”
Summary
A garden at the foot of the Mount of Olives where Jesus endured His agony in prayer and was subsequently betrayed and arrested.
☩Location and Description
Gethsemane lay across the Kidron Valley from Jerusalem, at the foot of the Mount of Olives. The name derives from the Aramaic meaning 'oil press,' indicating it was a place where olive oil was produced from the abundant olive trees of the area. It was an enclosed piece of ground with a garden attached, a place Jesus often resorted to with His disciples. The traditional site is about fifty yards east of the bridge across the Kidron, though the exact location remains uncertain.
☩The Agony in the Garden
On the night of His betrayal, Jesus came to Gethsemane after the Last Supper. Leaving eight disciples near the entrance, He took Peter, James, and John farther into the garden. There, about a stone's throw away, He fell to the ground and prayed in intense agony, His sweat becoming like great drops of blood, asking the Father to remove the cup of suffering if possible, yet submitting to the divine will. An angel from heaven appeared to strengthen Him.
☩The Betrayal and Arrest
While Jesus prayed, His disciples slept despite His repeated requests that they watch and pray. Judas, knowing the place where Jesus often met with His disciples, came with a band of soldiers and officials from the chief priests. He identified Jesus with a kiss, and the soldiers arrested Him. Peter's attempt to defend Jesus by striking off the ear of the high priest's servant was rebuked, and Jesus healed the wound. All the disciples then fled, fulfilling His warning that they would be scattered.
See Also
References
- 1.James Orr (ed.), "Gethsemane," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. II (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 2.James Hastings (ed.), "Gethsemane," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).
- 3.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Gethsemane," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 4.George Morrish, "Gethsemane," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).