Bible Geography · Mount of Olives, Jerusalem · c. 1st Century
Garden of Gethsemane
Description
Gethsemane, meaning 'oil press' in Aramaic, was an olive grove at the base of the Mount of Olives across the Kidron Valley from Jerusalem. Jesus frequently retreated there with His disciples for prayer and fellowship. On the night of His betrayal, He prayed with such intensity that His sweat fell like drops of blood.
Significance
Gethsemane represents the ultimate act of surrendered obedience, where Jesus chose the Father's will over His own in the greatest act of self-sacrifice in history. The prayer 'Not my will, but yours be done' is the model for Christian submission to God in all trials.
Key Events
Jesus' three agonizing prayers asking the Father to let the cup pass, the disciples sleeping while Jesus prayed, an angel appearing to strengthen Him, Judas arriving with soldiers to betray Jesus with a kiss, Peter cutting off the high priest's servant's ear, and Jesus' arrest.
Modern Context
The Garden of Gethsemane is preserved as a small enclosure adjacent to the Church of All Nations (Basilica of the Agony) on the western slopes of the Mount of Olives. Eight ancient olive trees in the garden, possibly over 2,000 years old, are among the most venerated natural objects in Christendom.