Chapter 74—Gethsemane
This chapter is based on
Matthew 26:36-56
;
Mark 14:32-50
;
Luke
22:39-53
;
John 18:1-12
.
In company with His disciples, the Saviour slowly made His way
to the garden of Gethsemane. The Passover moon, broad and full,
shone from a cloudless sky. The city of pilgrims’ tents was hushed
into silence.
Jesus had been earnestly conversing with His disciples and in-
structing them; but as He neared Gethsemane, He became strangely
silent. He had often visited this spot for meditation and prayer; but
never with a heart so full of sorrow as upon this night of His last agony.
Throughout His life on earth He had walked in the light of God’s
presence. When in conflict with men who were inspired by the very
spirit of Satan, He could say, “He that sent Me is with Me: the Father
hath not left Me alone; for I do always those things that please Him.”
John 8:29
. But now He seemed to be shut out from the light of God’s
sustaining presence. Now He was numbered with the transgressors.
The guilt of fallen humanity He must bear. Upon Him who knew no
sin must be laid the iniquity of us all. So dreadful does sin appear to
Him, so great is the weight of guilt which He must bear, that He is
tempted to fear it will shut Him out forever from His Father’s love.
Feeling how terrible is the wrath of God against transgression, He
exclaims, “My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death.”
As they approached the garden, the disciples had marked the
change that came over their Master. Never before had they seen Him so
utterly sad and silent. As He proceeded, this strange sadness deepened;
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yet they dared not question Him as to the cause. His form swayed as if
He were about to fall. Upon reaching the garden, the disciples looked
anxiously for His usual place of retirement, that their Master might
rest. Every step that He now took was with labored effort. He groaned
aloud, as if suffering under the pressure of a terrible burden. Twice
His companions supported Him, or He would have fallen to the earth.
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