Teaching Students About the Meaning of Gethsemane

As Christians, studying and understanding the meaning of Gethsemane is crucial, especially for students of the Gospel. Gethsemane is an essential event that happened in the life of Jesus Christ, and it bears a significant lesson for every believer.
The word “Gethsemane” means “olive press,” which refers to the oil press groves that were located on the Mount of Olives. Jesus and his disciples often went to this area to pray and relax after their ministry. It is in this place that Jesus went to pray the night before his crucifixion.
The lesson of Gethsemane is in the prayer that Jesus uttered before his capture. In Matthew 26:39, Jesus prayed, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” This prayer captures the essence of the lesson that every Christian should understand – submission to the will of God.
Jesus knew that he was about to suffer a lot of pain and humiliation, but he was committed to doing the Father’s will. His prayer in Gethsemane illustrates the importance of submitting to the will of God, even when it does not align with our desires.
Teaching students about the meaning of Gethsemane requires the use of various methods that engage their minds and address their divergent learning needs. Below are some practical ways to teach students about the significance of Gethsemane:
Visual aids: Pictures and Images
Visuals are an effective way to capture the student’s attention and help them to understand the meaning of Gethsemane. Teachers can use pictures or graphics that depict Jesus praying in the garden to help students visualize the context and atmosphere of the event.
Videos and Plays
Teachers can also use videos and plays to portray the story of Jesus in Gethsemane. These methods can help students to imagine the events and emotions of Jesus better. It can also encourage class discussion and engage the students in critical thinking.
Biblical passages
Another effective way to teach students about Gethsemane is through reading and discussing relevant Bible passages. Teachers can ask students to read Matthew 26:36- 46 and Mark 14:32-42 and discuss the meaning and significance of Jesus’ prayer in the garden.
Reflection and Prayer
Encouraging students to reflect and pray about the significance of Gethsemane can also be an effective teaching method. Students can be asked to reflect on Jesus’ submission to God’s will and how they can apply this lesson in their daily lives.
In conclusion, teaching students about the meaning of Gethsemane is a fundamental lesson for every Christian. It highlights the importance of submitting to God’s will, even when it does not align with our desires. By using various methods such as visual aids, videos and plays, biblical passages, and reflection and prayer, teachers can impress this lesson upon students in a memorable way.