Mark 14: 32 (NIV) They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be distressed and troubled. “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.”
When I visited Israel, the one place that made an emotional and spiritual impact on my life was the Garden of Gethsemane. The garden sits at the foot of the Mount of Olives and overlooks the Eastern Gate and wall of Jerusalem. The olive trees in the garden are said to be over 2000 years old. As you enter the garden there is a feeling of calm and release of spiritual love. Realizing the prayerful agony Jesus sustained brings sorrow to ones heart. We were able to partake in communion. A time to reflect upon the upcoming days of horrible pain, knowing of the triumphant resurrection of our living Savior. The glorious resurrection is why we celebrate Easter. We as Christians sing praises and rejoice with love, joy, and beauty. The tomb is empty! Hallelujah!!
Go to Dark Gethsemane
an 1800’s hymn
Go to dark Gethsemane, You who feel the tempter’s power;
Your Redeemer’s conflict see; Watch with Him one bitter hour;
Turn not from His griefs away; Learn of Jesus Christ to pray.
Follow to the judgment hall; View the Lord of life arraigned:
O the wormwood and the gall! O the pangs His soul sustained!
Shun not suffering, shame, or loss; Learn of Him to bear the cross.
Calvary’s mournful mountain climb; There, adoring at His feet.
Mark that miracle of time, God’s own sacrifice complete;
“It is finished!” Hear the cry; Learn of Jesus Christ to die.
Early hasten to the tomb, Where they laid His breathless clay;
All is solitude and gloom; Who hath taken Him away?
Christ is risen! He meets our eyes: Savior, teach us so to rise.
Submitted by:
Pam Jackson
Knoxville, TN