Immediately following the joy of the Last Supper, Jesus led His disciples across the Kidron Valley to the Mount of Olives, entering a secluded olive grove known as Gethsemane (meaning "oil press"). This place of serene beauty became the stage for His profound human anguish.
The Agony in the Garden
Taking Peter, James, and John deeper into the garden, Jesus began to experience the full weight of the Passion that awaited Him. He revealed the intensity of His struggle, saying, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death" (Matthew 26:38).
The Prayer of Surrender: He withdrew alone to pray, prostrating Himself and pleading with the Father: "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me." This petition showed the sheer, human terror of the cross. Yet, He immediately demonstrated perfect, divine obedience by concluding: "Yet not as I will, but as you will" (Matthew 26:39).
The Bloody Sweat: The intensity of this internal struggle was so severe that, according to Luke's Gospel, His sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground. This physical manifestation of distress, known as hematidrosis, highlights the immense psychological and spiritual burden of carrying the sins of all humanity.
The Disciples' Failure: While Jesus wrestled with the fate of the world, His three closest disciples, whom He asked to watch and pray, repeatedly fell asleep—a final, painful reminder of the weakness of human nature when faced with the divine ordeal.
The Kiss and the Arrest
His prayer complete, Jesus accepted His fate. The peace of Gethsemane was shattered by the sound of approaching torches and armed men. The traitor, Judas Iscariot, led a detachment of Temple guards and Roman soldiers to the spot.
The Betrayal: Judas identified Jesus to the soldiers by giving Him a kiss—the traditional sign of reverence between a disciple and a Rabbi. This profane use of an intimate gesture remains the quintessential symbol of betrayal.
The Submission: When Peter drew his sword in defense and cut off the ear of the High Priest's servant, Jesus immediately rebuked him and healed the servant's ear (Luke 22:51), performing His final miracle before the Cross. Jesus made no attempt to resist, submitting fully to the Father's will and allowing Himself to be bound and led away.
The Agony in Gethsemane was the point of no return: the perfect obedience of the Son of God conquered His human fear, setting the stage for the sacrifice of Good Friday.
Would you like to move on to the next section: The Trials (Good Friday Morning)?
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