In this “Theology Unpacked” episode, Dr John Moffatt SJ shows how all four Gospels share the same basic sequence of Jesus’ agony, betrayal and arrest, yet each narrates the garden scene with a distinct theological emphasis. Mark highlights Jesus’ fear and humanity, John presents him as taking divine initiative, Luke underscores healing and cosmic conflict, and Matthew (though less discussed) frames the moment through fulfilment of Scripture and obedient surrender.

These approaches, along with shared details such as cutting of the servant’s ear and Mark’s detail of a fleeing young man, offer complementary perspectives on Jesus’ anguish, agency and mission in the garden and at his arrest.

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