There are three great gardens mentioned in Scripture; the Garden of Eden, the Garden Tomb, and the Garden of Gethsemane. Gethsemane, derived from Hebrew and Aramaic words meaning, “oil press,” is located east of the Kidron Valley from Jerusalem (John 18.2), on the slope of the Mount of Olives. (Mt. 26.30; Luke 22.39). Tradition dating from the 4th century, has fixed the site on a place about 50 yards east of the bridge across the Kidron. (International Standard Bible Encyclopedia)
Jesus was often found at Gethsemane for rest, prayer, and fellowship with His disciples. (Lk. 21.37; 22.39; Jn. 18.2) All four gospels record that after celebrating the Passover with His disciples for the last time, Jesus went to pray in Gethsemane where Judas Iscariot later betrayed him.
In Gethsemane, Jesus warned his disciples several times to watch and pray against entering into temptation. (Mt. 26:41; Mark 14:38; Luke 22:40, 46) Jesus understood his own agonizing time of prayer as a time of temptation from completing the sacrificial will of God. (Mt. 26:42; Mark 14:36; Luke 22:40, 46) He prayed three times for deliverance. (Mark 14:32–42) Luke includes the account of how Jesus’ sweat became like great drops of blood falling down upon the ground. (Luke 22:44)
Early Christendom considered the garden of Gethsemane sacred because it represents the location of Jesus’ obedience to God and His sacrificial love.
Today four rival locations claim to be the authentic site of Gethsemane, though none can trace their authenticity prior to the 4th century. Although scholars doubt the accuracy of traditions which try to locate Gethsemane, most admit that the real site cannot be far from one of the traditional ones.
While the Garden of Gethsemane is most widely known for its relation to the life of Jesus, some within the Christian faith also hold that the garden carries great importance in the life of Mary. According to Eastern Orthodox teachings, the Garden of Gethsemane is the place where the life of Mary, the Mother of Jesus, came to an end.
Gethsemane is visited by literally millions of pilgrims each year. It is a must see destination in Jerusalem.
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