On to the Garden (John 18:1-2)

Lesson #292

With this lesson we begin chapter 18, which in the ESV translation is divided up into seven sections. The first section, about the betrayal and arrest of Jesus, includes the first eleven verses. Beginning at the first verse, we read: “When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered” (John 18:1 ESV). The words which Jesus spoke refer to his prayer in the preceding chapter. At the end of his prayer, he and his disciples went out and crossed the brook Kidron, which was a small stream that flowed to the east of Jerusalem, through a very narrow valley, dividing the city from the Mount of Olives. The Garden of Gethsemani is located on the lower slopes of the Mount of Olives and is a place that Jesus knew about and probably went there to get away from the crowds and pray at various times. At this critical time in the ministry of Jesus, he and his disciples enter this garden.

It is interesting to note that it was in a garden that Adam’s disobedience was committed resulting in death permeating the human race and here in the garden of Gethsemani, the obedience of Jesus, the second Adam, to die for sin begins. The sentence of death, on account of sin, was passed in a garden and in a garden the execution for that sin began.

The next verse indicates that Jesus and his disciples often came here. There is reason to think that the garden belonged to some wealthy man in Jerusalem that Jesus was friends with who gave him access. “Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples’ (John 18:2 ESV). Because of the Passover celebrations in Jerusalem and with many attending from outlying locations, lodging in Jerusalem was probably scarce so Jesus chose to take his disciples and stay the night in the garden. When visiting Jerusalem, Jesus probably stayed here with his disciples and so Judas expected to find him there.

Prayer

Father, as I think about Jesus and his coming trial, scourging and crucifixion and think of his response to that evil against him, I often wonder how I would respond to persecution against me and I think of how I am preparing myself for that possibility. Father, prepare me so if that time comes I will be encouraged by having made a previous decision to endure and stand fast through your strength and not turn away and experience the shame of denial. Lord Jesus, you are my example. Prepare me to live it out if called upon to do so.