Jesus had often resorted to Gethsemane with His disciples for meditation and prayer. They were all well acquainted with this sacred retreat. Even Judas knew where to lead the murderous throng, that he might betray Jesus into their hands. Never before had the Saviour visited the spot with a heart so full of sorrow. It was not bodily suffering from which the Son of God shrank, and which wrung from His lips, in the presence of His disciples, these mournful words: “My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death.” “Tarry ye here,” said He, “and watch with Me.” {2T 203.3}

Sammen med sine disciple var Jesus ofte tyet ind i Getsemane for at hengive sig til betragtning og bøn. Dette hellige tilflugtssted var vel kendt af dem alle. Også Judas vidste, hvor han skulle lede morderskaren hen for at forråde Jesus i deres hænder. (204) Aldrig før havde Frelseren besøgt dette sted med et hjerte så fuldt af sorg. Det var ikke legemlig lidelse, Guds søn veg tilbage for og som i disciplens nærværelse fremtvang disse sørgmodige ord fra hans læber: »Min sjæl er dybt bedrøvet til døden.« »Bliv her,« sagde han, »og våg med mig!«