Gethsemane

Gethsemane



A sense of tragedy trembles the air.

The upper room grows oppressively silent

as the Master descends the outside stair.



Then He went a little farther.



The soft light of the full moon falls about Him

as He turns the corner into a narrow, twisting street.

The apostles followed through the sleeping city looking grim.



Then He went a little farther.



Walking on with sandal-muffled feet,

passing under the archway and down the slopes.

From Jericho Road to the Mount Of Olives street.



Then He went a little farther.



They come to the Garden of Gethsemane,

approaching the gate in the wall,

near a twisted trunk of an olive tree.



Then He went a little farther.



Eight of the Apostles guarded the gate

so His privacy would not be disturbed.

Jesus desired to pray and prepare for His fate.



Then He went a little farther.



He leaves Peter, James and John among the trees,

and finds a sanctuary of solitude for His struggle.

A place to find comfort on His knees.



Then He went a little farther.



An unutterable sorrow shakes His spirit and soul,

the hour of agony has come.

This is the place of the ultimate struggle of His soul.



Then He went farther than God ever went before.