GETHSEMANE
The Temple Mount in Jerusalem lacked a garden because of space limitations. However, gardens owned by private individuals existed on the Mount of Olives. One such garden was Gethsemane, where Jesus likely had permission from the owner to use it for night prayers. It gave him a private area separate from the busy city.
Prayer of Jesus in the Garden
After celebrating Passover, Jesus went with the eleven apostles to the Mount of Olives to pray and gain spiritual strength before his impending passion. Upon reaching the garden, Jesus took Peter, James, and John further into the garden with him. These three disciples, who were dear to him, had been present during significant moments of his ministry, such as the raising of Jairus’s daughter (Mk 5:37) and the Transfiguration (Mk 9:2).
Jesus expressed his profound sorrow to them, saying, “My soul is sorrowful even to death. Remain here and keep watch with me” (Mt 26:38). Despite his request, the disciples fell asleep, leaving Jesus to face his anguish alone. The triple request for their vigilance was a testament to his deep need for their support. In his distress, Jesus prayed fervently, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done” (Lk 22:42). His prayer was so intense that “his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground” (Lk 22:44).
REFLECTION
Jesus’ time in Gethsemane is a profound illustration of humility and surrender. He said, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head” (Mt 8:20; Lk 9:58). The Son of God, creator of all things, relied on others for a place to rest, including gardens and homes. This humility is further emphasized in his solitary prayer in Gethsemane, where he faced the prospect of his suffering and death alone, despite the presence of his closest disciples.
Jesus’ experience in Gethsemane offers several lessons for Christians today:
1. Humility and Dependence: Jesus, the creator, depended on the generosity of others for a place to pray and rest. This teaches us about humility and reliance on God’s provision and the support of our community.
2. The Power of Prayer: In his moment of deepest anguish, Jesus turned to prayer. This underscores the importance of seeking God’s presence and strength in our own times of trouble.
3. Submission to God’s Will: Jesus’ prayer, “yet not my will, but yours be done,” is a model of ultimate submission to God’s plan. As followers of Christ, we are called to trust and submit to God’s will, even when it leads us through trials and suffering.
4. The Need for Vigilance and Support: Jesus asked his disciples to keep watch with him, highlighting the need for vigilance and support within the Christian community. We are encouraged to support one another in prayer and be present for each other in times of need.
In embracing these lessons, we follow the example set by Jesus in Gethsemane, cultivating humility, reliance on prayer, submission to God’s will, and a supportive community. May we find strength in his example and remain faithful in our journey, knowing that God is with us in every moment of our lives.