Jesus leaves the upper room with his disciples and they pass through the Kidron Valley on the way to the garden of Gethsemane. It is a time of preparation for our Lord as he steels himself for the onslaught to come. He knows very well that Judas is intent on betraying him to the authorities and his demise is certain. Yet he is committed to protecting his disciples and submitting himself to God’s redemptive plans. For Jesus, the valley of preparation is the valley of descent in which he (the Good Shepherd) lays down his life for his sheep.
