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The Garden of Gethsemane

Wayne Galloway
07/14/24 - Sunday Evening Worship

The Garden of Gethsemane

Matt. 26:36-45; Mk. 14:32-41; Lk. 22:40-46; Jn. 18:1-11

 

Introduction:

 

1.  Biblical scholars emphasize that in interpreting and understanding the text of Scripture context is everything.

2.  Most times this is interpreted to mean that we need to consider the textual setting in which a passage occurs.

    a.  We want to read a passage considering what is going on around it.  Critical to our

         understanding is what is said in the previous paragraph and the following 

         paragraph.  How does this passage fit in the structure designed by the author?  

         Where does this passage fit in the overall theme of the letter or the 

         book?  How does it fit in the story of the Bible?

    b.  But there is more to context.  There is the historical setting that needs to be 

         considered.  When was this material written?  What is the cultural setting?  What 

         is happening in the lives of the people of this time?  There are many contextual 

         things that affect our understanding of what we read.  This is the case not only for 

         the Bible, but for all communication generally.

    c.  One of the things that we often don’t give a lot of thought to is geographical 

         context.

         1)  It was in Caesarea Philippi where Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do people 

              say that the Son of Man is?”  They answered, “Some say John the Baptist, 

              and others Elijah, but still others Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.”  It was 

              then that Peter confessed that Jesus was the Christ the Son of God.  Jesus 

              said, “Upon this rock, I will build My church” (Matt. 16:13ff).

         2)  Picture this scene unfolding before the rock structure in this photo from 

              Caesarea Philippi with niches cut out for various idols.  See photograph.

3.  In this study I want us to give some thought to the geography associated with the Garden of Gethsemane.

 

Discussion:

 

I.  The biblical events that are described as happening there.

 

    A.  Following the last supper Matt. 26:30 says, “After singing a hymn, they went out 

         to the Mount of Olives.”

         1.  The Mount of Olives is located east of the city of Jerusalem, across the Kidron 

              valley.  See photographs.

          2.  It was here that Jesus predicted that all the disciples would fall away.  It was 

               here that they all promised their lives to Jesus (Matt. 26:31-35).

     B.  The Garden of Gethsemane was in the Mount of Olives (Matt. 26:36-38).  This 

           was a place that Jesus customarily came to (Lk. 22:39).

           1.  Jesus took the disciples here to pray.  The church of all Nations is  

                supposedly built on the site where Jesus prayed.  See photograph.

           2.  He took Peter, James and John with him evidently to a different place in the 

                garden than the other disciples.  

           3.  Matthew says, “He began to be grieved and distressed.”  Mark states that He 

                told them, “My soul is deeply grieved to the point of death; remain here and 

                keep watch.” 

           4.  He went beyond them and prayed that the hour might pass him by.  Matthew 

                says, he said, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not 

                as I will, but as You will.”  I cannot begin to imagine the level of stress He is 

                experiencing.  

           5.  Luke says an angel from heaven came and strengthen Him.  Even with this 

                “His sweat became like drops of blood falling down upon the ground.”  There 

                is a medical condition called “hematidrosis” in which blood vessels around 

                sweat glands break.  It is rare but can happen under extreme stress.  I don’t 

                know if this was what was happening here.  It is a possibility.

           6.  “Being in agony He was praying very fervently,” says Luke.

           7.  Are these descriptions from the voices of Peter, James, and John?  Certainly 

                inspired by the Holy Spirit to give us insight into the severity of the 

                circumstance.

 

II.  The geography presents an opportunity.

 

     A.  The Mount of Olives is across the Kidron Valley.  Further east is the Judean 

           wilderness.  Not a forested area, like we might think of a wilderness, but an arid

           desert like region.  See photograph.

     B.  It was into this wilderness that David had fled when Absalom attempted to take 

          over the throne from David (2 Sam. 15:23, 30).  This would be a place that Jesus 

          could flee.  David had escaped from Absalom here.  Will Jesus flee or go back to 

          Jerusalem?

     C.  On the Mount of Olives, in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prays in agony, 

           “Let this cup pass from Me.”  Is there any other way????

     D.  But the choice is made.  “Yet not as I will, but as You will.”  Jesus willingly moves 

           toward Jerusalem and crucifixion.

 

III.  The meaning of “Gethsemane” adds an interesting element of the geography.

 

     A.  The term “Gethsemane” means “olive press.”

     B.  Olive oil was used extensively in Israel for cooking, fuel, anointing.  Olive oil was 

           a source of life to all Israel.

     C.  Olives had to be crushed to get the oil out.  This was done using an olive press.  

          See photograph.

     D.  Jesus is being crushed emotionally, physically, relationally.  He will be the 

          source of life to sinners.  He is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.  

          Cf.  Isa. 53:4-5.

 

IV.  Judas, knew the place of the garden (Jn. 18:1-11).

 

      A.  Judas was betraying Jesus in Jerusalem.

      B.  He knew where Jesus was.

      C.  He led the Roman cohort and the officers of the chief priests and the 

           Pharisees to the garden.  See photographs.

      D.  Jesus voluntarily went with them.  Acknowledging openly who He was.

      E.  He rebuked Peter’s use of his sword.

 

Conclusion:

 

1.  Each of us faces a choice.  We can flee into the wilderness of the world, or we can make the choice to suffer with Jesus.

2.  We ask, “Is there any other way?”  “Can I avoid being crushed?”  Can I escape the persecution associated with identifying with Jesus.  Remember, initially all the disciples fled (Matt. 26:31-35).  

3.  But after the resurrection they all returned.  Fully committed.  They returned.  They drank the same cup that He drank (cf. Matt. 20:22-23).

4.  Are you willing to give your life to Him?  It means resurrection and life!!