Though the present church building was built only in 1924—and is also named the Church of All Nations because money for the project came from many nations—the site has a long historical association with the tradition that this was where Jesus spent his last night in agonized prayers and where he was finally betrayed. The 4th Cent pilgrim Egeria already knew of an "elegant" church here. Today the garden of Gethsemane is a walled garden just across the street north of the church.
On the night he was betrayed and arrested, Jesus would have seen the arresting party approaching from the other side of the Kidron. He could have gone up Mount Olive and, within just ten minutes at the most, he would be 'lost' in the Judean desert. Having prayed, "My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done" (Mt 26:42), he stayed and took up the Cross.
©ALBERITH
190420lch