In the Garden of Gethsemane

Only Matthew identifies the place where Jesus went to pray as the Garden of Gethsemane. Luke identifies the special place where he prayed during Holy Week as the Mount of Olives. John tells us Jesus and his disciples crossed over the brook Cedron where there was a garden. Mark says they went to a place that was named Gethsemane.

Luke places his emphasis on the statement of Jesus, “pray not to fall into temptation” which appears at the beginning and end of this section. The temptation probably refers to the series of events that follow: the arrest, the trial and the crucifixion.

The prayer concerns discipleship. Consequently the prayer prepares Jesus and his disciples for the impending crisis of the cross. The prayer also prepares them for the kingdom of God as the appointed time is approaching.

Copyrighted 2005

Religion