The Garden of Gethsemane is a beautiful place. It is situated across the Kidron Valley from Jerusalem. Ancient olive trees grow there. The word “Gethsemane” means “oil or olive press.” It was there that Jesus came after observing the Passover with His apostles. It was in the Garden that He fervently prayed to the Father. It was there that Judas planted the betrayal kiss.
As I stood in the Garden a few years ago, I learned an amazing fact. From the Garden one has a clear view of the general area of the Temple. It was in this area where those who came to arrest Him gathered. It was from here that they made their way down the hill with their lanterns and torches, across the Kidron Valley and then on up to Gethsemane. As they made their way, He could easily have seen them. Think of this! He could have seen them coming, and He could have run and escaped, but He didn’t! He stayed, was arrested, endured a humiliating trial, was beaten, was spat upon and finally nailed to a cross. Why? Because “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” That’s right, friends, it was because of His great love for you and me.
This same One said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” Do you love Him? Do you really love Him?
