The Garden Of Gethsemane On The Mount Of Olives In Jerusalem

It was in this beautiful Olive Tree Garden that Jesus prayed, while His disciples were willing, but unable, to stay awake and watch with Him. This garden was well known to Jesus and his disciples, as it was in the natural route of travel for those walking to the Temple. This final night before He was betrayed, Matthew records his time of prayer in the garden.

"36 Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.37 And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.38 Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.39 And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.40 And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.42 He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.43 And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy.44 And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.45 Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.46 Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me. "

Gethsemane, means olive press, in the Hebrew language, This garden was a productive urban olive garden where oil was pressed from the fruit of the olive trees regularly. This would have produced what we would call today, Extra Virgin Olive Oil.  Even today, the ancient trees that are most likely the next generation of trees are getting old. Some of these trees are coming close to 1,ooo years. Only about 8 of these trees are still heavy fruit bearers and are pressed into oil. 

The fruit was not the only part of the olive tree used. For many centuries the olive leaf was pressed into oils and used as medicine. The technique of using the leaves was used by the Egyptians for preserving their mummies. Even the Bible talks of using the leaf for medicine in Ezekiel. 

“The fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine.” (Ezekiel 47:12)   

Today, as you walk through the garden, the beauty is still outstanding. The garden is filled with peace and there are benches for pilgrims who want to sit and pray. For those who come to take in the beauty, it is a quite place to just sit and think. It is the perfect end, to a hectic day. For photographers, it is the perfect place to get amazing photos of a magnificent piece of ancient history. Whatever you desire, you will find it waiting in the Garden of Gethsemane.