APRIL 2017
GETHSEMANE
COMMANDS
Mr. E.L. Mathansingh
The word 'Gethsemane' means ''oil press.'
It was the place of Jesus' agony and arrest.
Gethsemane was a garden across Kidron valley
and was situated at the foot of Mount of Olives.
All the four Gospels clearly portray the
sufferings that Christ went through in this
garden (Matt 26:36-56; Mk 14:32-52, Luke
22:39-54; John 18:1-12). Truly, it was 'an oil
press' in which the 'good olive' was crushed by
unparalleled agony, and yielded precious oil,
which has been poured into many a wound
since then.
The scene describes the most solemn and
awful moments of Jesus' life time. During this
troubled time, the Lord gave specific
commands to His trusted disciples. These
powerful commands speak to us even today.
These are significant because they were given
towards the end of His earthly ministry. A
closer look at Gethsemane will help us obey
these commands.
First Command
“Sit here ... I go over there”
(Matt 26:36)
After breaking the bread in the upper
room, the Saviour chose Gethsemane, an often
frequented place, as the climax of His life. As
soon as they reached the garden, He gave
instructions to eight of His disciples to sit, while
he moved a little further. The Redeemer wished
to be alone. It was a very simple command, but
it demanded a great trial of faith and put their
devotion to test. The passion of Christ involved
complete isolation. He had to tread the wine-
press alone.
The disciples were shut off
altogether from any communication from their
Master. Christ permitted this to happen as a
part of His training for the twelve.
The disciples were helpless and they
understood their utter helplessness when the
Lord gave this command. Between Him and
them, was a separation. There is a time to be
alone in every one's life. This command calls
for separation from our loved ones. Although
the Saviour bore the penalty of our
transgressions, yet we have to undergo some
suffering in our life as our portion. Gethsemane
is a preparation for Calvary. Loneliness and
isolation can be handled only with God's help.
In times of physical sickness, financial
problems and mental stress, one is led to a
disposition of isolation. In certain crucial
circumstances we feel lonely - alone amidst the
greatest crowds, and alone in the best of
company.
The disciples were with Jesus
during the past three and a half years and there
came a situation when He withdrew from them
in order to prepare them for what was to follow.
Temporary separation prepared the disciples
for a closer and lasting communion with God.
The situation was difficult, but not impossible.
GETHSEMANE COMMANDS
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