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The Spirit of Prophecy Volume 3
of his humiliation, when he most needed their sympathy and comfort,
reproached and forsaken him.
Christ had sojourned in the world for thirty-three years; he had
endured its scorn, insult, and mockery; he had been rejected and
crucified. Now, when about to ascend to his throne of glory—as he
reviews the ingratitude of the people he came to save—will he not
withdraw his sympathy and love from them? Will not his affections
be centered on that world where he is appreciated, and where sinless
angels adore him, and wait to do his bidding? No; his promise to
those loved ones whom he leaves on earth is “Lo, I am with you alway,
even unto the end of the world.” Before his conflict, he had prayed
the Father that they might not be taken out of the world, but should be
kept from the evil which is in the world.
At length the little company reach the Mount of Olives. This place
had been peculiarly hallowed by the presence of Jesus while he bore
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the nature of man. It was consecrated by his prayers and tears. When
he had ridden into Jerusalem, just prior to his trial, the steeps of Olivet
had echoed the joyous shouts of the triumphant multitude. On its
sloping descent was Bethany, where he had often found repose at
the house of Lazarus. At the foot of the mount was the garden of
Gethsemane, where he had agonized alone, and moistened the sod
with his blood.
Jesus led the way across the summit, to the vicinity of Bethany. He
then paused, and they all gathered about him. Beams of light seemed
to radiate from his countenance, as he looked with deep love upon
his disciples. He upbraided them not for their faults and failures; but
words of unutterable tenderness were the last which fell upon their ears
from the lips of their Lord. With hands outstretched in blessing them,
and as if in assurance of his protecting care, he slowly ascended from
among them, drawn heavenward by a power stronger than any earthly
attraction. As he passed upward, the awe-struck disciples looked with
straining eyes for the last glimpse of their ascending Lord. A cloud of
glory received him out of their sight, and at the same moment there
floated down to their charmed senses the sweetest and most joyous
music from the angel choir.
While their gaze was still riveted upward, voices addressed them
which sounded like the music which had just charmed them. They
turned, and saw two beings in the form of men; yet their heavenly