Gethsemane

Luke 22:39–53

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As the time drew nigh that Jesus would take upon Himself the pains, sicknesses, sins, and guilt of all the children of God, He was sore amazed. The atonement that began in Gethsemane and finished on the cross was the magnificent, divine plan of God for the salvation of His children.

It is a wonder that the artist actually had the courage to portray this scene. How can you depict infinite suffering?. As the sculptor tried to contemplate pain so severe that it made Jesus bleed at every pore, it caused significant artistic and personal pain. As incomprehensible pain lashes away at every nerve, every faculty, every sense, how could He endure it? How to portray it? People tend to look away from great suffering; it causes them too much pain to look upon it. When looking at this depiction, look at Him; be drawn to Him so that you can contemplate that eternally significant moment on the Mount of Olives in a garden called Gethsemane.

Thoughts from Angela Johnson

39 And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.

40 And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.

41 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,

42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.

43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.

44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: andhis sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

45 And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,

46 And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.

47 And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.

48 But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?

49 When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword?

50 And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.

51 And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.

52 Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves?

53 When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.