The Event of Gethsemane is a significant moment in the New Testament, occurring shortly before the arrest and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. This event is recorded in the Synoptic Gospels: Matthew 26:36-46, Mark 14:32-42, and Luke 22:39-46. The Gospel of John also alludes to this event in John 18:1-2, though it does not provide the same detailed account of Jesus' prayer and agony.

Location and Context

Gethsemane, meaning "oil press," is a garden located on the Mount of Olives, just outside Jerusalem. It served as a place of retreat and prayer for Jesus and His disciples. The event takes place after the Last Supper, as Jesus and His disciples leave the upper room and cross the Kidron Valley to reach the garden.

The Agony in the Garden

Upon arriving at Gethsemane, Jesus instructs His disciples to sit while He goes further to pray. He takes Peter, James, and John with Him, expressing to them His deep sorrow and distress. In Matthew 26:38 , Jesus says, "My soul is consumed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with Me."

Jesus then moves a short distance away to pray alone. In His prayer, He addresses God as "Abba, Father," expressing His anguish and seeking, if possible, to avoid the impending suffering. Mark 14:36 records His words: "Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup from Me. Yet not what I will, but what You will." This prayer reveals both Jesus' human desire to avoid suffering and His divine submission to the Father's will.

The Disciples' Weakness

During this time, Jesus returns to find His disciples asleep, despite His request for them to keep watch. He admonishes them, particularly Peter, saying in Matthew 26:41 , "Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak." This highlights the disciples' human frailty and foreshadows Peter's impending denial of Jesus.

The Angelic Support and Jesus' Resolve

In Luke's account, an angel appears to strengthen Jesus during His prayer (Luke 22:43). This divine support underscores the gravity of the moment and the spiritual battle taking place. Jesus' sweat is described as "like drops of blood falling to the ground" (Luke 22:44), indicating the intense emotional and physical strain He endures.

After praying three times, Jesus returns to His disciples, finding them asleep each time. He finally tells them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour is near, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners" (Matthew 26:45). This marks the transition from prayer to the fulfillment of His mission through His arrest and subsequent crucifixion.

Theological Significance

The Event of Gethsemane is pivotal in understanding the dual nature of Christ—fully God and fully man. It reveals His human vulnerability and divine obedience. The event emphasizes the importance of prayer, submission to God's will, and the spiritual struggle against temptation. It also foreshadows the redemptive work of Christ on the cross, as He willingly accepts the "cup" of suffering for the salvation of humanity.