Jesus had been earnestly conversing with His disciples and instructing them; but as He neared Gethsemane, He became strangely silent. He had often visited this spot for meditation and prayer; but never with a heart so full of sorrow as upon this night of His last agony. Throughout His life on earth He had walked in the light of God's presence. When in conflict with men who were inspired by the very spirit of Satan, He could say, "He that sent Me is with Me: the Father hath not left Me alone; for I do always those things that please Him." John 8:29. But now He seemed to be shut out from the light of God's sustaining presence. Now He was numbered with the transgressors. The guilt of fallen humanity He must bear. Upon Him who knew no sin must be laid the iniquity of us all. So dreadful does sin appear to Him, so great is the weight of guilt which He must bear, that He is tempted to fear it will shut Him out forever from His Father's love. Feeling how terrible is the wrath of God against transgression, He exclaims, "My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death."

Medens de nærmede sig haven, havde disciplene lagt mærke til den forandring, der var sket med deres Mester. Aldrig før havde de set ham så helt igennem bedrøvet og tavs. Efterhånden som han gik videre, blev denne mærkelige sorgfuldhed dybere. Dog vovede de ikke at spørge ham, hvad grunden var. Han vaklede, som om han var nær ved at falde. Da de nåede hen til haven, søgte disciplene ivrigt efter hans sædvanlige ensomme tilflugtsted, for at deres Mester kunne hvile sig. Nu var hvert skridt, han tog, ham besværligt. Han stønnede højt, som om han tyngedes af en frygtelig byrde. To gange måtte hans ledsagere støtte ham, ellers ville han være faldet til jorden.