When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was a garden, and he and his disciples went into it.

John 18:1

For Encouragement

It had to be in a garden. Where else could the last Adam go, but into a garden? The first Adam lost the battle in Eden – a garden. The tree of life still stood there. And with the flaming swords guarding its entrance, who else could enter the garden to bring life to fallen humanity, but the Creator Himself. So, the Savior had to enter the battlefront in a garden. Sure, it was not Eden, but figuratively speaking, that’s what it was.

In Eden, the battle for dominion over the human heart was first waged. There, obedience fell to disobedience and gave way to sin and death. Now, the Redeemer had come. He had resisted every temptation possible and stood tall every time. The weapon the enemy used to prevail against Adam and Eve failed to conquer the heart of Jesus in the wilderness (Matt. 4:1-11). Every other weapon had failed too – the Pharisees, the demons, the storms, Judas, and even Peter. They had all failed; and now, the final hour before the altar for the final sacrifice had come. The devil knew it, so he came with full vengeance to oppose Him; in a garden – the Garden of Gethsemane.

So, into that Garden, Jesus went (Jn. 18:1).

Now, let the battle begin – the battle of the wills, on His knees.

Hear the people you came to save chanting, “Crucify Him!” Listen to the cracking whips, tearing into your skin. Smell your own blood. See your bruised body being paraded through the streets of Jerusalem. See the ugliness of the cross, Jesus. Feel the weight of the sins of humanity put on you. The sound of the Roman soldier’s hammer driving the planks through your hands, the wine mixed with gall, the insults of the people, and the spear thrust through your side.  

What is it going to be, Jesus? Are you going to take all that for such ungrateful people? Are they worth it? Why don’t you call it quits, Jesus? Isn’t there another way to do it? It’s now your will against your Father’s. What do you say?

He needed His friends at that moment; but they slept.

 “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will” (Matt. 26:39).

There, in the Garden of Gethsemane, obedience triumphed over disobedience. The ultimate victory was won; the cross poised to display His glory for all to see. He was ready.

And so, they came – Judas and the arresting contingent – six hundred to arrest one man. What a shame!

“Who is it you want?”

“Jesus of Nazareth.”

“I Am He.”

And, “Bam!” The Jericho Wall didn’t sound so loud on its knees (Jn 18:4-6).

Yet, He gave himself away.

Willingly, He entered the garden. Willingly, He submitted to the cross.

What a Savior!