The Garden of Gethsemane
Now Judas was the treasurer of little band of Jesus’ disciples and therefore had charge of the money. He had not always been honest and had at times helped himself from the money bag. Yet for nearly three years he had been among the group of Jesus’ closest followers, listening to Him, watching His wonderful deeds, and learning from Him. It was sad that he did not live up to Jesus’ hopes for him when He first called him to be a disciple.
Some time before the Last Supper, Judas had gone to the chief priests and had asked, “How much will you give me if I betray Jesus to you?”
From that time Judas kept on the lookout for an opportunity to betray his master. The chief priests and elders wanted Jesus arrested secretly, for they feared that if they took Him openly, there would be a riot among the people.
When the Passover meal that Last Supper, ended, Jesus and the disciples sang a hymn and went to the Garden of Gethsemane, which was near the foot of the slope of the Mount Olives. It was a quiet garden, away from the noise and bustle of Jerusalem.
Here Jesus said to eight of the disciples, “Sit here while I go over there to pray.” Then He took Peter, James and John on the little further. To these three He said, “Wait here and keep watch with Me, for the sorrow in My heart is very great.”
He Himself went on a short distance and threw Himself face down on the ground and prayed to God, “Father, if it is possible, take this cup of suffering away from me; nevertheless, let not what I wish happen here, but what You wish.” And God sent Him the strength to go through with what was to happen.
Then He got up and went back to the three disciples, and found that they had fallen asleep, for they were tired and worn out by grief and worry, Jesus said to Peter, “Weren’t
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