Gethsemane

Melanie Hoffman had just spent the day in the mountains writing music with her husband, Roger Hoffman. They were working on a collection of children’s songs about the Savior’s life and miracles. Sister Hoffman had been thinking for some time about how she could convey the Savior’s suffering in Gethsemane and on Calvary in an appropriate way that children could understand. As she and her husband were driving home, the words “Gethsemane! Jesus loves me” came into her mind.

The simplicity and power of these words struck her: “I realized that even the youngest of children need to understand that Jesus suffered for them because He loves them. His atoning gift of love began in Gethsemane, continued on Calvary, and gloriously culminated at the empty tomb.” The rest of the song came quickly, the words and music building to the declaration: “This was done by Jesus! The fight was won by Jesus!” Sister Hoffman is grateful that she was inspired to write this song, which has helped many children around the world understand the Savior’s atoning love.

Find lyrics, sheet music, and recordings for Gethsemane

Scriptures

Principles

Jesus Christ suffered in the Garden of Gethsemane because He loves each of us.
Jesus Christ prayed to Heavenly Father when He needed comfort and strength.
The sacrament helps us remember that Jesus Christ suffered in the Garden of Gethsemane and died on the cross.

Questions to Ponder

How does knowing about the pain Jesus suffered in Gethsemane help you want to live differently?
What can you do to remember what Jesus Christ did for you in Gethsemane?
Why do you think it is important for others to know about the love Jesus showed to us in the Garden of Gethsemane?

Related Gospel Study Guides

From Topics and Questions, Gospel Library:

Activities for Families

Follow the rhythm of the song. While singing or listening to the song, help your children keep the rhythm by tapping their feet, clapping, or using a shaker. (You can make a shaker at home by filling a glass or plastic container with rice, beans, or sand.) Tap or shake softly or loudly, depending on the tempo and feeling of the music. Listen to the song again, pausing after each phrase to talk about its meaning. Share your thoughts and feelings about the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and invite your children to share what they know and feel.
Show a picture. Help your children feel the love of Jesus Christ by teaching about His sacrifice in Gethsemane. Show a picture of the Savior in Gethsemane and ask, “What is happening in this picture?” Play or sing the song together, and invite your children to listen carefully to the words. Afterward, ask which words stood out to them and why. Give each child a paper heart, and have them write or draw one way they can show love and gratitude for Jesus and His sacrifice. Hang the hearts in a visible place as a reminder of your children’s commitments. Encourage everyone to sing the song again softly and thoughtfully, and invite them to think about what Jesus Christ did for them and how much He loves them.