Now when she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus. John 20:14 ESV
Did you know that in the old hymn, “In the Garden” the place which Austin Miles wrote of was not just some bed of roses, but rather the garden where Jesus rose. Though many dismiss the lyrics as overly sentimental, I find that, the words “And He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own,” actually outline the three elements of communion.

There are many parts of a worship service, but the most important, is neither the singing nor the preaching but rather the presence of Jesus. Jesus has kept His church alive for 2,000 years and He comes most clearly to meet us in the communion. As the lyrics say, “And He walks with me.” Jesus died and rose again and in that moment He walked once again in the garden with Mary. He came while she was alone, weeping and looking for Him. Next the lyrics say, “And He talks with me.” For two thousand years, Jesus has been speaking. “This is my body which is given for you.” and “This cup is the new covenant in My blood.” echo down through time, Every time we receive them, we hear His voice again.
Lastly, Mary falls down to worship. The Bible tells us that at the end of the Last Supper, Jesus sang a hymn with His friends. Just as Mary bowed and the disciples sang, there is a joy filled pause after we have received the bread and the cup. They remind us again that “the joy we share as we tarry there, none other, has ever known!”


I ❤️ this fresh perspective on “In the Garden”. All too often we sing familiar songs without paying attention to the meaning of the word.
🌹💐🥀🌹💐🥀
Yes and it’s my favorite song!
Lovely! The rose photographs to accompany your lesson and singing are beautiful. God bless you.
Some of those were from my sister-in-law’s garden, some from around the neighborhood. California in Springtime has the most beautiful blooms. This year she is tending far lovelier ones in Jesus’ own garden.
My condolences on the death of your sister-in-law.
Thank you Manette. She was my wife’s best friend and last year she spent 5 months taking care of her. I flew out for about 3 weeks to lend a hand, spruce up the garden and pray. We were sad to say goodbye, comforted by the fact that she trusted Christ for her salvation and lived out her faith.