Used only here in the N.T.

A ravine separating Jerusalem and Mt. Olivet to the east in the Kidron Valley.

Originates a short distance NW of Jerusalem, and snakes its way south into the Dead Sea.

Dry in the summer, but floods with torrential rains of winter, therefore, likely dry in our context.

From Hebrew, Gath-Shimanai = (Olive) oil press.

Not named here nor in Luke's account.

Called such only in Mt.26:36 & Mk.13:32.

One of many gardens east of Kidron typically owned by wealthy residents of Jerusalem, at the western base of Olivet, approx. 1 mile east of the city wall.

A frequent prayer and rest place of our Lord, likely belonging to a friend of means residing in Jerusalem.

A stark contrast of Jesus, the Second Adam, in agony with Satan in this garden to the first Adam in his.

Present traditional site since Constantine, ca. A.D.300.

Greek form of Hebrew, Hananiah = grace of Jehovah.

Appointed high priest in A.D.7 at age 37 by Quirinus, governor of Syria, resigning under Tiberius of Rome in A.D.14.

Found in Lk.3:2; Jn.18:13,24; Acts 4:6.

5 sons and 1 son-in-law, Caiaphas who succeeded him.

So influential, still regarded as "high priest" with Caiaphas in Jesus' day. Hence, Jesus being taken to Annas. ( Lk.3:2)

Probably still residing in a part of the high priest's palace.

Meaning = depression.

Son-in-law to Annas above.

Appointed High Priest, ca. A.D.18 by Pilate's predecessor, Calerius Gratus (Antiq. XVIII.2.2).

First proposed Jesus' death.

Presided over Jesus' trial.

Also instrumental in Peter and John's later trial.

Deposed in A.D.36 by Syrian governor Vitellius. (Antiq., XVIII.4.2)

Jesus has concluded His teachings to His Friends, and as they enter the garden, these will be His final moments and last words with them.

With His last miracle wrought and word taught, He will turn His attention to His moment in time, now fully come: for unto this Hour He was born. ( 2:4)

He will spend His final free moments in a most familiar place in prayer with His friends. With their emotions drained and minds numbed from His final words to them, they will succumb to its shock to their souls, surrendering to sleep as the Master keeps vigil. As they sleep, He will pray! ( Lk.22:45)

John does not here give account of Christ's Gethsemane agony. This is presumed knowledge of the reader, since he is writing some years hence the Synoptics (A.D.85). Rather, he will show the forces of darkness coming against the Light of the world.

Two distinctly different world powers are about to collide: the kingdom of God and the kingdom of Satan. The Epitome of Love will meet its antithesis. The superior force of Light will drive its inferior enemy of darkness to its knees, yet He will freely surrender Himself to it, giving clear evidence of His control and the Father's will, as earlier stated. (10:17-18)

And so this night, above all nights, lives in infamy. For unlike the night of our Savior's birth when the angels rejoiced, this is the night of His betrayal when all creation will groan beneath its breathless spirit, and men will run to their own cover of darkness. The cup that Christ must drink is now full. It is His alone to drink. He will drink it?our cup of sin that we might drink His cup of salvation found only in His blood. His blood for our sin?seems inequitable, doesn't it? What a price and how precious our salvation! His blood, the only blood that will take away man's sin. (Heb.9:15-28)