Scripture Comes Alive at the Garden of Gethsemane

Come visit a place where the scriptures seem to reanimate around you. Once you set foot in the Garden of Gethsemane, you can’t help but be moved. It is such a powerful place in the Bible and the same holds true today.

Of all the historic sites and landmarks to visit, the Garden is one of the most famous places in Jerusalem. It is amazing to think that some of the olive trees in this holy place were alive and well when Jesus was anticipating his capture and torture.

They went to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and Jesus said, Sit here while I go and pray. He took Peter, James, and John with him, and he became deeply troubled and distressed. He told them, My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me. - Mark 14:23-34CloseMark 14:23-34 And he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them, and they all drank from it. And he said to them, "This is my blood, which confirms the covenant* between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice for many. I tell you the truth, I will not drink wine again until the day I drink it new in the Kingdom of God." Then they sang a hymn and went out to the Mount of Olives. On the way, Jesus told them, "All of you will desert me. For the Scriptures say,`God will strike* the Shepherd,  and the sheep will be scattered.' But after I am raised from the dead, I will go ahead of you to Galilee and meet you there." Peter said to him, "Even if everyone else deserts you, I never will." Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, Peter—this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny three times that you even know me." "No!" Peter declared emphatically. "Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!" And all the others vowed the same. They went to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and Jesus said, "Sit here while I go and pray." He took Peter, James, and John with him, and he became deeply troubled and distressed. He told them, "My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me." OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) (NLT)

Setting foot in this Garden, sprinkled with olive trees is truly a spiritual event. Claims have been made that these broad, gnarled olive trees are over 2,000 years old, which makes one wonder if they were young saplings the night Jesus was there with his disciples. If trees could talkŠ.

Visiting the Garden, one can’t help be moved. Find some time when you visit to sit in peace, reflect and be inspired by Jesus’s journey.

Across the lane is a less-frequented grove where arrangements can be made for you to spend a more private time of worship and contemplation.

This is one of the top places to visit while in Jerusalem. For additional spots to tackle on your visit read: Jerusalem: Like No Other City.