Garden of Gethsemane

Jesus Prayer at Gethsemane Divide the group to each take one of the three gospel readings Mark 14:32-42 Matthew 26:36-46 Luke 22:40-46 Read John’s story separately John 17

Mark 14: They went to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, ‘Sit here while I pray.’ 33 He took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be distressed and agitated. 34 And he said to them, ‘I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and keep awake.’ 35 And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. 36 He said, ‘Abba, Father, for you all things are possible; remove this cup from me; yet, not what I want, but what you want.’ 37 He came and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, ‘Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep awake one hour? 38 Keep awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.’ 39 And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. 40 And once more he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy; and they did not know what to say to him. 41 He came a third time and said to them, ‘Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Enough! The hour has come; the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Get up, let us be going. See, my betrayer is at hand.’

Bible Study Compare and contrast the four gospel’s telling of Jesus prayer and betrayal at Gethsemane. Where is Jesus praying in each? What does Jesus prayer at Gethsemane reveal about his character and his relationship to God the Father? Jesus prayed in his grief and in his agitation. These are both strong emotions. How do these (or other strong emotions) affect your prayers? When you experience these emotions, do you pray? Why or why not? How does prayer interact with such emotions? How does your prayer life relate to the experience of Jesus in this story? How is it different? How about compared to the disciples?

Jesus betrayal and arrest at Gethsemane Divide the group to read one of the following gospel stories Mark 14:43-52 Matthew 26:47-56 Luke 22:47-53 John 18:1-11 Compare and contrast the four gospel stories

Mark 14: Immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived; and with him there was a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. 44 Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, ‘The one I will kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.’ 45 So when he came, he went up to him at once and said, ‘Rabbi!’ and kissed him. 46 Then they laid hands on him and arrested him. 47 But one of those who stood near drew his sword and struck the slave of the high priest, cutting off his ear. 48 Then Jesus said to them, ‘Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest me as though I were a bandit? 49 Day after day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not arrest me. But let the scriptures be fulfilled.’ 50 All of them deserted him and fled. 51 A certain young man was following him, wearing nothing but a linen cloth. They caught hold of him, 52 but he left the linen cloth and ran off naked.

Bible study Jesus accuses his arresters of coming for him “as if I were a bandit” This was the term that the Roman government and historians used for those involved in armed resistance against Rome, i.e. terrorists (or, from the perspective of the people, freedom fighters). Why would the authorities have identified Jesus in this way? Do you think there were those in the crowds (or among his disciples) who had similar thoughts? What about Jesus fit with this image? How does this affect your image of terrorists? Does it matter who arrested Jesus? Ultimately, who is responsible for Jesus’ death? Who is in control of this scene? (see especially John’s account) Why does Jesus allow himself to be arrested? What is the disciples’ response? What is our response when we face “time[s] of trial”?

Believed to have been an olive garden in Biblical times too, the present day Garden of Gethsemane gets its name from the Hebrew Gat Shemen, meaning an olive press. As its namesake indicates, the garden is lush with ancient olive trees creating a shaded Mediterranean-style forest that is perfect for those in search of a little seclusion and isolation. video video

It is commonly held by archeologists and botanists who have studied the garden's olive trees that these are the original Biblical trees described in the Gospel of Matthew. While there has been some controversy to this effect, it is a known fact that olive trees can grow to be tens of thousands of years old, a fact which determines their Biblical ancestry possible.

Within the walled of the Garden stands the Church of all Nations (also known as the Church of the Agony)

The modern church stands on the foundations of two ancient churches: a 4th- century Byzantine basilica, destroyed by an earthquake in 746 and a 12th- century Crusader chapel, which was abandoned in The Basilica of the Agony was built from with funding from 12 different countries, which gave it its nickname: "the Church of All Nations." Video Video

The Stone of Agony is surrounded by a wrought iron Crown of Thorns.

The Stone of Agony where Jesus prayed Video Video

Frescos above the altar depict scenes of that night