Church of St Michael & All Angels, London Fields
THE GARDEN OF GETHSEMANE
Cleaning supported by the Heritage of London Trust and the Mercers’ Foundation
After their last meal together, during the Passover celebrations, Jesus and his disciples went to the Garden of Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives. He dismissed nine of his followers but asked Peter and the brothers James and John to watch over him as he prayed. In fact, the men were tired and fell asleep. Jesus prays that he will not be required to sacrifice his life, although he acquiesces in God’s will.
Hayward here draws on the account presented in the Gospel of Luke, the only one to mention the presence of an angel who has been sent to give Jesus strength. At the same time, the angel, whose muscular body can be seen through his garment, points us towards Judas who, backed up by a crowd of armed men carrying flaming torches because it is still dark, has come to betray Jesus. The palms of the angel’s hands are scored as if to alert the viewer to the crucifixion that will soon follow. (Luke 22. 39-47).
Church of St Michael & All Angels, London Fields
THE GARDEN OF GETHSEMANE
Cleaning supported by the Heritage of London Trust and the Mercers’ Foundation
After their last meal together, during the Passover celebrations, Jesus and his disciples went to the Garden of Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives. He dismissed nine of his followers but asked Peter and the brothers James and John to watch over him as he prayed. In fact, the men were tired and fell asleep. Jesus prays that he will not be required to sacrifice his life, although he acquiesces in God’s will.
Hayward here draws on the account presented in the Gospel of Luke, the only one to mention the presence of an angel who has been sent to give Jesus strength. At the same time, the angel, whose muscular body can be seen through his garment, points us towards Judas who, backed up by a crowd of armed men carrying flaming torches because it is still dark, has come to betray Jesus. The palms of the angel’s hands are scored as if to alert the viewer to the crucifixion that will soon follow. (Luke 22. 39-47).