Arrest in Gethsemane

Gethsemane translates from Aramaic Hebrew as “Oil Press”. It can be found at the foot of the Mt. Of Olives in Jerusalem, across the Kidron Valley. The name comes from two Hebrew words, “gat” (to press) and “sh’manim” (to grow fat). This last word is referencing the fat of riches or blessings. This garden was/is the press that makes rich with blessings. Interesting that Jesus prayed here frequently.

He prayed in a garden where His blood fell to the ground and cleansed it of the curse bestowed in Genesis 3:17.

He made three prayers in the garden; sometimes referred to as “Prayers of Agony”. He prayed to succeed and be glorified. He prayed for His disciples and He prayed for all believers - you and me. John goes into great detail to relate these prayers to us. John and Peter had been asked to stay nearest in the garden and Peter fell asleep. John overheard Jesus. 

In all His praying, He refers to His Father as “Abba”, in original text. This is a term of endearment from the Hebrew language which is best translated, “Daddy”. The Father is our “Daddy” God.

When Jesus prayed, He sweat blood and ask He be spared. Some have interpreted that He was dreading the lashing at the whipping post and the crucifixion itself. No so much as the sin of men. This perfect, holy being was dreading taking on the sins of the world. Luke 22:43 mentions an Angel encouraging Him. For a few hours on the cross, the holy was to become profane. 

Judas approached him with the greeting, “Shalom Rabbi” (“Peace, Teacher”) and gave Him a kiss, Mt. 26:49, Mk. 14:44 and Lk. 22:48, where Jesus confronts Judas about the kiss. What a beautiful greeting for an ugly deed.
In Hebrew, “kiss” has deep meaning that does not relate to man-woman relations. To kiss is to strengthen by making a close connection, more emotional or spiritual than physical. The word can also mean to arm for battle with weapons that will touch. Judas was not seeking to either strengthen or arm Jesus; just the opposite - weaken and disarm; he was lying through his actions.
We learn from our Gospels there was a large number of soldiers. John’s account tells us a detachment of soldiers came, with Judas, to arrest Jesus, Jn. 18:3 & 12. A detachment was also referred to as a “cohort” which was anywhere from 480 - 600 soldiers; minimum. There was a Centurion required for every 100 men. In addition, there were the temple officials in tow. We are talking about a lot of armed, trained for battle, Roman soldiers (the greatest army in the world at that time), Mt. 26:47, Mk. 14:43 and Jn. 18:3 - 5. Why so many? What had they been told? What were they led to expect? What were they afraid of?
Go to John 18 where the arrest of Jesus is recorded; the meat of my writing. Verse four tells us that Jesus approached the crowd and asked who they were looking for. They replied, “Jesus of Nazareth” (Heb: “Jeshua a Nazaree”). His reply was “I Am” (in original text, “he” is omitted from the answer), Ex. 3:13 & 14. This two word reply is reference to the name “Yahweh” which translates, “I Am, I Was, I Am Coming”. Jesus spoke His heavenly name and look what happened in verse six: this entire detachment of armed Roman soldiers, Centurions and temple officials fell to the ground at the mention of His name, Phil. 2:10. 

Note: Verse eight of John eighteen gives us a glimpse into the attitude of Jesus. He had faced them to ask who they wanted. Now he replied “I told you . . “. He made a stand. I see no fear in our Savior.

Praise God; thank you, Jesus