A Good Friday Post - Gethsemane!

Good Friday 2025

Apr 19, 2025

While I wanted to share my thoughts of this Holy Weekend, I wondered what could I share that hasn’t already been taught or preached before? I’m rarely at a loss for words. I just wanted to be sure I was sharing more than words; but my feelings on Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection this year. Like a light bulb, one word came to my mind early this morning- Gethsemane. I realized I never did an independent Bible Study on Gethsemane. But, if you are like me, you have heard so many Good Friday and Easter/Resurrection Sunday sermons, the information is just in you. This topic is not a bright and cheerful, but it is hopeful. So, I hope that you continue reading to either refresh your memory or learn more about this place. I also have a song to recommend that I know will brighten your day and possibly your entire weekend! Scroll all the way to the end to hear it right away 😉

Garden at night surrounded by Olive Trees and an oil press

Gethsemane in Hebrew is “gat shemanim” or gat" (גת), meaning "wine press" or "oil press," and "shemanim" (שְׁמָנִים), referring to "oils" or "olives". According to Strong’s Lexicon #1068 Gethsémani in Greek means “oil press.” Whichever transliteration you prefer, Gethsemane was/is the garden where Jesus retreated into prayer and anguish before his impending torture and crucifixion. The Garden of Gethsemane situated at the base of the Mount of Olives near the Kidron Valley.

The exact location where Jesus prayed is not known and I’m sure Gethsemane was not a pristine garden. While all four Gospels refer to The Garden of Gethsemane, it is only mentioned specifically by name twice in the Bible. Also, Jesus did travel through or around this location frequently, but his visit this time would be very significant. In the Gospel of Matthew 26:36-38 (NIV) it reads:

³⁶Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” ³⁷He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. ³⁸Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”

Then it is mentioned by name again in Mark 14:32:

³²They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” ³³He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. ³⁴“My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.”

These passages of scripture are after Jesus and the Disciples leave the Last Supper. Jesus has just prophesied the betrayal that is coming as well as his death. Once in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus finds a place to be completely alone with the God the Father. It is in this place and this time that we “see” Jesus’ humanity in the words He prays to “Abba, Father,” (Mark 14:36). There are words used here like overwhelm, sorrow, distress, and troubled. While Jesus knows that the scriptures and God’s plan must be fulfilled, he doesn’t want to experience the hurt, pain, and rejection that is soon to come. Jesus prays all night, periodically checking in with Peter, James, and John. During this time these three (3) things occur:

“He falls with His face to the ground” (Matthew 26:39) and acknowledges his sadness
He prays, “Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” (Mark 14:36)
Luke said “His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground” (Luke 22:44)

After this, Jesus is resolute. He announces Judas’ (the betrayer) arrival (he does) and Jesus is arrested, tortured, and crucified (Mark 14:43 to Mark 15:47).

I can relate to Jesus’ Gethsemane prayers. Can you? Although I want to do His will, at times I am weak, saddened, and in despair. I request to skip certain trials and valleys (God, can you let this cup pass?). However, there are some trials we all must face. We all have our paths God has chosen and we all have our burdens to bear.

I ask, Father, can you let this cup pass? This cup is too bitter for me.

BUT, the good news, the best news is, Jesus bore the heaviest burden. He took upon himself my sin and your sin (1 John 2:2). He also took our greatest pain and ills 🖋️ “This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: ‘He took our illnesses and bore our diseases’” (Matthew 8:17). So, while Gethsemane is a place of sorrow, snot, and tears, it is a place of promise. In fact, Jesus returned to the Mount of Olives, the place of sorrow, after the Resurrection in the Book of Acts. After the disciples asked Jesus about the restoration of the kingdom to Israel he responded:

It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by His own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’ After He said this, He was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid Him from their sight Acts 1:6-9

Today (tonight) we find extra gratitude for the Hope and Freedom we have because of Jesus willingness to accept the bitter cup. I’m grateful for Jesus willingness sacrifice. I’m also grateful that like Jesus, we can get one-on-one with the Father for strength during times of pain, fear, anguish.

Gethsemane!

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