Category:Agony in the Garden (subject)

The Agony in the Garden (aka Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane) refers to an episode in the Passion of Jesus, according to the Gospels of Mark (14:32–42), Matthew (26:36-46), and Luke (22:39-46).

< Passion of Jesus : Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem -- Cleansing of the Temple -- Plot to Kill Jesus -- Anointing of Jesus -- Betrayal of Judas -- Last Supper -- Agony in the Garden -- Arrest of Jesus -- Trial of Jesus before the High Priest -- Peter's Denial -- Trial of Jesus before Pilate -- Trial of Jesus before Herod Antipas -- Barabbas -- Flagellation of Jesus -- Mocking of Jesus -- Way to Golgotha -- Crucifixion of Jesus -- Burial of Jesus >

< Life of Jesus : Nativity of Jesus -- Childhood of Jesus -- Jesus' Hidden Years -- Ministry of Jesus (Parables of Jesus, Miracles of Jesus) -- Passion of Jesus -- Resurrection of Jesus -- Relics of Jesus >

Overview

After the Last Supper the situation was tense and difficult. Jesus and his disciples did not go back to Bethany but decided to spend the night hiding among the crowd camped on the Mount of Olives. Jesus was "distressed and agitated" and spent the night in prayer, facing the possibility of his death.

The Gospel of Mark (followed by the Gospel of Matthew) identified the place as Gethsemane, and reported that Jesus asked Peter, James and John to remain awake while he retired to pray. Jesus was dubious, asking God to spare him from suffering but accepting God's will: "Abba, Father, for you all things are possible; remove this cup from me; yet, not what I want, but what you want." The three times Jesus came back, he found the three disciples asleep and reproached them. Then, suddenly, Judas Iscariot approached with the Temple Police (see Arrest of Jesus).

The Gospel of Luke offered a simplified version of the Markean story. No reference was made to Gethsemane and no particular role was given to Peter, James and John; Jesus went back only once to find all disciples asleep. Luke however added some original details, notably, the presence of "an angel from Heaven" who came to give strength to Jesus, who was so anguished that "his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground."

The Gospel of John skipped the entire episode, as in his Passion narrative he presented a confident Jesus being always in absolute control of the situation.

Agony in the Garden, in ancient sources

Gospel of Mark

Mark 14:32–42 (NRSV) -- 32 They went to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, "Sit here while I pray." 33 He took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be distressed and agitated. 34 And said to them, "I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and keep awake." 35 And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. 36 He said, "Abba, Father, for you all things are possible; remove this cup from me; yet, not what I want, but what you want." 37 He came and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, "Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep awake one hour? 38 Keep awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." 39 And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. 40 And once more he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy; and they did not know what to say to him. 41 He came a third time and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Enough! The hour has come; the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Get up, let us be going. See, my betrayer is at hand." 43 Immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived; and with him there was a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders.

Gospel of Matthew

Matthew 26:36-46 (NRSV) -- 36 Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." 37 He took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and agitated. 38 Then he said to them, "I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and stay awake with me." 39 And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not what I want but what you want." 40 Then he came to the disciples and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, "So, could you not stay awake with me one hour? 41 Stay awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." 42 Again he went away for the second time and prayed, "My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done." 43 Again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. 44 So leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words. 45 Then he came to the disciples and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Get up, let us be going. See, my betrayer is at hand." 47 While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived; with him was a large crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people.

Gospel of Luke

Luke 22:39-46 (NRSV) -- 39 He came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed him. 40 When he reached the place, he said to them, "Pray that you may not come into the time of trial." 41 Then he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, knelt down, and prayed, 42 "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done." 43 Then an angel from heaven appeared to him and gave him strength. 44 In his anguish he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground. 45 When he got up from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping because of grief, 46 and he said to them, "Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not come into the time of trial." 47 While he was still speaking, suddenly a crowd came, and the one called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them...

Agony in the Garden, in the arts

Christian iconography describes the arrival of Jesus at Gethsemane, and his prayer and agony, being comforted by angels. Often Judas Iscariot can be seen approaching with the Temple Police. The episode plays a preeminent role in Jesus Christ Superstar, where it offers the opportunity for an a solo song by Jesus.