Chapter 8—The Trial of Christ
The angels as they left heaven, in sadness laid off their glittering
crowns. They could not wear them while their commander was suf-
fering, and was to wear a crown of thorns. Satan and his angels were
busy in that judgment hall to destroy humanity and sympathy. The
very atmosphere was heavy and polluted by their influence. The chief
priests and elders were inspired by them to abuse and insult Jesus, in a
manner the most difficult for human nature to bear. Satan hoped that
such insult and sufferings would call forth from the Son of God some
complaint or murmur; or that he would manifest his divine power, and
wrench himself from the grasp of the multitude, and thus the plan of
salvation at last fail.
Peter followed his Lord after his betrayal. He was anxious to see
what would be done with Jesus. And when he was accused of being
one of his disciples, he denied it. He was afraid of his life, and when
charged with being one of them, he declared that he knew not the man.
The disciples were noted for the purity of their words, and Peter, to
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deceive, and convince them that he was not one of Christ’s disciples,
denied it the third time with cursing and swearing. Jesus, who was
some distance from Peter, turned a sorrowful, reproving gaze upon
him. Then he remembered the words which Jesus had spoken to him
in the upper chamber, and also his zealous assertion, Though all men
shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended. He
denied his Lord, even with cursing and swearing; but that look of Jesus
melted Peter at once, and saved him. He bitterly wept and repented of
his great sin, and was converted, and then was prepared to strengthen
his brethren.
The multitude were clamorous for the blood of Jesus. They cruelly
scourged him, and put an old purple, kingly robe upon him, and bound
his sacred head with a crown of thorns. They put a reed in his hand,
and mockingly bowed to him, and saluted him with, Hail king of the
Jews! They then took the reed from his hand, and smote him with it
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