The Garden Of Gethsemane In Jerusalem

by David Padfield

 

The photograph above is of the Golden Gate in the walls of the city of Jerusalem. The photo was taken from the Garden of Gethsemane. Between the Garden and the Gate lies the Kidron Valley.

On the night of His betrayal our Lord left the city of Jerusalem and crossed through the Kidron Valley and into the Garden of Gethsemane (Matt. 26:36; John 18:1).

It is probable that when Jesus entered Jerusalem on "Palm Sunday" that He went through this gate (Matt. 21:1-11). The Golden Gate or "Gate of Mercy" was sealed many years ago by the Turks.

It is believed in Jewish tradition that the Messiah will come from the East, pass the Mount of Olives and continue through the Kidron Valley before arriving at the Temple Mount. They believe the dead will rise on that day and escort Him into the city. Jews from around the world often request to be buried near Jerusalem—they believe they will be among the first to greet the Messiah.

Christians realize the Messiah has already come, and at the resurrection "all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation..." (John 5:28-29).