John 18:1, The Garden of Gethsemane

1 When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered.

Jesus’ high priestly prayer was prayed within the Jerusalem city walls. Now Jesus and his disciples exit the city, heading across the brook Kidron, meaning into the Kidron Valley. This valley separates the temple mount from the Mount of Olives. The name “Kidron” means darkness. Jesus is passing into the darkness where Satan will seem to have his way with the Son of God. John tells us he is heading to a garden that we know as the Garden of Gethsemane from the other gospels. There is an echo here of the Garden of Eden where the first man, Adam, sinned, being disobedient to God. Now the second Adam comes to the garden to speak to his Father and will be obedient, even unto death on a cross.

Passover laws forbade journeys after sunset, but this one was permissible as it would lead to the lodging place for Jesus and his disciples. With so many pilgrims in Jerusalem for Passover, not everyone could find accommodations in the city, and sleeping outside was not unusual. It also was a familiar place for Jesus, probably owned by a generous benefactor. Tradition says it was owned by the family of Mark, the gospel writer. Judas knew this place as well—a place where Jesus could be arrested quietly away from the crowds. The circumstances leading to the arrest of Jesus in the following verses of John show that Jesus is in total control. He wants to be in this garden tonight.

Jesus, thank you that you entered into darkness for us to deal with the darkness of human sin. Amen.