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Spiritual Gifts. Volume 1
had raised Lazarus from the dead. And they feared that if they should
kill Jesus, Lazarus would testify of his mighty power. The people
were flocking to see him who was raised from the dead, and the rulers
determined to slay Lazarus also, and put down the excitement. Then
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they would turn the people to the traditions and doctrines of men, to
tithe mint and rue, and again have influence over them. They agreed to
take Jesus when he was alone; for if they should attempt to take him
in a crowd, when the minds of the people were all interested in him,
they would be stoned.
Judas knew how anxious they were to obtain Jesus, and offered
to betray him to the chief priests and elders for a few pieces of silver.
His love of money led him to agree to betray his Lord into the hands
of his bitterest enemies. Satan was working directly through Judas,
and in the midst of the impressive scene of the last supper, he was
contriving plans to betray Jesus. Jesus sorrowfully told his disciples
that all of them would be offended because of him, that night. But
Peter ardently affirmed that although all should be offended because
of him, he would not. Jesus said to Peter, Satan hath desired to have
you, that he may sift you as wheat; but I have prayed for thee; that thy
faith fail not; and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
I then viewed Jesus in the garden with his disciples. In deep sorrow
he bade them watch and pray lest they should enter into temptation.
Jesus knew that their faith was to be tried, and their hopes disappointed,
and that they would need all the strength they could obtain by close
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watching and fervent prayer. With strong cries and weeping, Jesus
prayed, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me, neverthe-
less, not my will, but thine be done. The Son of God prayed in agony.
Large drops of sweat like blood came out of his face, and fell upon the
ground. Angels were hovering over the place, witnessing the scene,
while only one was commissioned to go and strengthen the Son of
God in his agony. The angels in heaven cast their crowns and harps
from them, and with the deepest interest silently watched Jesus. There
was no joy in heaven. They wished to surround the Son of God, but
the commanding angels suffered them not, lest, as they should behold
his betrayal, they would deliver him; for the plan was laid out, and it
must be fulfilled.
After Jesus had prayed, he came to see his disciples. They were
sleeping. He had not the comfort and prayers of even his disciples in