Watching and Praying in Gethsemane

MARK 14:32-42—According to John 18:2, Jesus and his disciples were in the habit of visiting the Garden of Gethsemane when they were in the district. As nearly as can be determined it was about one-half or three-quarters of a mile from the walls of Jerusalem and a very short distance from the bridge which spanned the river Kedron. Apparently an orchard composed a part of the garden, in which there were olive, fig, and pomegranate trees which afforded hospitable shade during the heat of the day.

The name Gethsemane means “an oil-press,” but because it was the scene of Jesus’ great trial on the night before he was crucified, it has become synonymous with suffering and tragedy. The mere mention of the name conjures up thoughts of distress and trial, and never of cooling shade under the spreading branches of fruit trees. In this respect Gethsemane takes its place with the other geographical names to which specific meanings have become attached, such as Bethany; Golgotha; Megiddo; and in secular history, Waterloo.

Jesus’ experience in Gethsemane was, in reality, the crucial test of his full obedience to the Father’s will. He knew that the plans had all been made for his arrest, and that Judas would betray him into the hands of his enemies. He knew also that the time for the consummation of his sacrifice had come; and now the question was whether or not he would be an overcomer in this final test. We used the word “question,” but actually there was no question in Jesus’ mind concerning his willingness to die as man’s Redeemer; nor did he falter with respect to any phase of the divine will. The only question was what constituted the divine will with respect to the degree of suffering, of shame, ignominy, he would have to endure.

“My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death,” Jesus told Peter, James, and John. Paul tells us that Jesus “offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared”—margin, was heard “for his piety.” (Heb. 5:7) The death from which the Heavenly Father was able to save his Son was eternal destruction—the “second death.” The entire plan of salvation would have failed had Jesus been saved from dying as man’s Redeemer.

What the Master was concerned about in Gethsemane was whether or not he had proved worthy of a resurrection from death; and also whether or not the ignominy and shame which he now saw more clearly than ever, were to be heaped upon him in connection with his death, were a necessary part of the divine will. These two problems were as a heavy burden upon his soul, bringing forth from the Savior of the world “strong crying and tears.”

Jesus did not especially chide the disciples because they failed to watch with him in this great trial. It had been a long and difficult day. The passover, together with the newly instituted Memorial Supper, had taken them on well into the night, and it is little wonder that they fell asleep while their Master was praying. Besides, since they were not yet begotten by the Holy Spirit, they were at an utter loss to understand the trial through which Jesus was passing, and not understanding it, they could not be too personally interested.

While Jesus doubtless would like to have had the disciples enter into his great trial and share the burden somewhat with him, yet he was not left without comfort; for his Heavenly Father stood by and gave him the assurance which he sought. It was only five days before this that Jesus rode into the city of Jerusalem and was hailed King by a considerable number of people. These were happy to be with him in this seeming triumph, but now he was alone in his sorrow.

In this respect Jesus’ experience was not unlike that of others. In most cases our friends are glad to share our joys and our triumphs, but frequently we will find, as Christians, that we are left measurably alone in our sorrows. This is not necessarily because friends wish to forsake us. The disciples, no doubt, would have been glad to comfort the Master but they lacked the necessary understanding.

Only the “God of all comfort” was able to understand the Master’s Gethsemane trial. (II Cor. 1:3) So it is in the case of many of the trials through which his followers pass. It is at such times that we should go “boldly,” courageously, to the throne of grace to seek help and comfort. Jesus was given needed strength and assurance, hence was able resolutely to face the trying ordeal which was before him; and he said to his disciples, “Rise up, let us go; lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand.”

QUESTIONS

Had Jesus and his disciples ever visited the Garden of Gethsemane prior to the occasion recorded in this lesson?

Was Jesus’ sorrow in Gethsemane the result of being afraid to die?

Were the disciples to blame for not watching with Jesus during his severe trial?

Who alone is able to comfort us in our greatest times of trial?

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