Chapter 17—The Betrayal and Arrest
No traces of His recent suffering were to be seen as the Saviour
stepped forth to meet His betrayer. Standing in advance of His disci-
ples, He asked the mob:
“Whom seek ye?”
They answered, “Jesus of Nazareth.”
Jesus replied, “I am He.”
John 18:4, 5
.
As Jesus spoke these words, the angel who had recently ministered
to Him moved between Him and the mob. A divine light illuminated
the Saviour’s face, and a dovelike form overshadowed Him.
In the presence of this divine glory the murderous throng could
not stand for a moment. They staggered back. The priests, elders, and
soldiers dropped as dead men to the ground.
The angel withdrew, and the light faded away. Jesus could have
escaped, but He remained, calm and self-possessed. His disciples were
too much amazed to utter a word.
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The Roman soldiers soon started to their feet. With the priests
and Judas, they gathered about Christ. They seemed ashamed of their
weakness, and fearful that He would escape. Again the question was
asked by the Redeemer: “Whom seek ye?”
Again they answered, “Jesus of Nazareth.” The Saviour then said,
“I have told you that I am He: if therefore ye seek Me, let these
[pointing to His disciples] go their way.”
John 18:7, 8
.
In this hour of trial, Christ’s thoughts were for His beloved disci-
ples. He did not wish to have them suffer, even though He must go to
prison and to death.
Judas, the betrayer, did not forget the part he was to act. He came
to Jesus, and kissed Him.
Jesus said to him, “Friend, wherefore art thou come?”
Matthew
26:50
. His voice trembled as He added, “Betrayest thou the Son of
man with a kiss?”
Luke 22:48
.
These gentle words should have touched the heart of Judas; but
all tenderness and honor seemed to have left him. Judas had yielded
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