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Spiritual Gifts. Volume 1
armed soldiers were pursuing them. The disciples hoped that Jesus
would manifest his power, and convince all that he was the King of
Israel.
Judas was filled with bitter remorse and shame at his treacherous
act in betraying Jesus. And when he witnessed the abuse he suffered,
he was overcome. He had loved Jesus, but loved money more. He did
not think that Jesus would suffer himself to be taken by the mob which
he had led on. He thought that Jesus would work a miracle, and deliver
himself from them. But when he saw the infuriated multitude in the
judgment hall, thirsting for his blood, he deeply felt his guilt, and
while many were vehemently accusing Jesus, Judas rushed through the
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multitude, confessing that he had sinned in betraying innocent blood.
He offered them the money, and begged of them to release Jesus,
declaring that he was entirely innocent. Vexation and confusion kept
the priests for a short time silent. They did not wish the people to know
that they had hired one of Jesus’ professed followers to betray him into
their hands. Their hunting Jesus like a thief and taking him secretly,
they wished to hide. But the confession of Judas, his haggard and
guilty appearance, exposed the priests before the multitude, showing
that it was hatred that had caused them to take Jesus. As Judas loudly
declared Jesus to be innocent, the priests replied, What is that to
us? See thou to that. They had Jesus in their power, and they were
determined to make sure of him. Judas, overwhelmed with anguish,
threw the money that he now despised at the feet of those who had
hired him, and in anguish and horror at his crime, went and hung
himself.
Jesus had many sympathizers in that company, and his answering
nothing to the many questions put to him amazed the throng. To all
the insults and mockery not a frown, not a troubled expression was
upon his features. He was dignified and composed. He was of perfect
and noble form. The spectators looked upon him with wonder. They
compared his perfect form, his firm, dignified bearing, with those
who sat in judgment against him, and said to one another that he
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appeared more like a king to be entrusted with a kingdom than any of
the rulers. He bore no marks of being a criminal. His eye was mild,
clear and undaunted, his forehead broad and high. Every feature was
strongly marked with benevolence and noble principle. His patience