Pictorial Description:

Jesus and His disciples have entered the Garden of Gethsemane.  The larger number (8) of the disciples remain in a group.  Three of the disciples go with Jesus some distance from the others.  Jesus walks a few steps from these three and prays.  Jesus prays so earnestly that he sweats blood (hemathidrosis).

What’s Taking Place:

Jesus is suffering in anticipation of His crucifixion, a painful way to die.  More painful than the crucifixion itself will be the punishment meted out by the Father for the sins of all mankind.  Faced with the tremendous sacrifice He is about to make, Jesus seeks support from the disciples and prays to the Father.  The disciples are no help; they sleep.  The Father sends an angel to strengthen Jesus.  As he calls the disciples from their slumber for the final time Judas comes with the soldiers to betray Him.

Symbol:

The Crown of Thorns with Nails is a symbol of Christ’s passion.  Since His prayer in the garden concerns His sacrificial death it is very appropriate here.  The thorns could be brown or a lighter shade of green.  The spikes (nails) would be gray or rust colored.  Three spikes are usually used – one for each hand and one for the feet.

Scriptural Reference:

Matthew 26:36-46

Mark 14:32-42

Luke 22:39-46

John 18:1

Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane