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The Spirit of Prophecy Volume 2
the treatment which he told them he should there receive. They were
deeply grieved that he should resign himself to such an ignominious
fate, and leave them in greater darkness than that in which they were
groping before he revealed himself to them. The thought suggested
itself to their minds that they might take him by force to a place of
security, but they dared not attempt this as he had repeatedly denounced
all such projects as the suggestions of Satan. In the midst of their gloom
they could not refrain from comforting themselves occasionally with
the thought that some unforeseen circumstance might avert the fearful
doom that awaited their Lord. Thus they sorrowed and doubted, hoped
and feared, for six long, gloomy days.
Jesus was acquainted with the grief and perplexity of his disciples,
and he designed to give them additional proof of his Messiahship, in
order that their faith might not utterly fail them in the severe ordeal to
which they were soon to be subjected. As the sun was setting he called
his three most devoted disciples to his side, and led them out of the
noisy town, across the fields, and up the steep side of a mountain. Jesus
was weary from toil and travel. He had taught the people and healed
the sick throughout the entire day; but he sought this high elevation
because he could there find retirement from the crowds that continually
sought him, and time for meditation and prayer. He was very weary,
and was much fatigued in toiling up the steep ascent.
The disciples were also tired, and, although they were accustomed
to this practice of retiring into the solitudes for prayer, they could
not help wondering that Jesus should attempt to climb this rugged
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mountain, after such a day of fatigue. But they asked no questions as
to his purpose, and patiently accompanied him. As they are ascending
the mountain, the setting sun leaves the valleys in shadow, while the
light still lingers on the mountain tops, and gilds with its fading glory
the rugged path they are treading. But soon the golden light dies out
from hill as well as valley, the sun disappears behind the western
horizon, and the solitary travelers are wrapt in the darkness of night.
And the gloom of their surroundings seems in harmony with their
sorrowful lives, around which the clouds are gathering and thickening.
Having gained the place he sought, Jesus engaged in earnest prayer
to his Father. Hour after hour, with tears and importunity, he suppli-
cated for strength to bear his afflictions and for grace to be bestowed
upon his disciples that they might bear the terrible trials that awaited