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The Spirit of Prophecy Volume 3
from me, had been granted. Then indeed might the disciples have slept
on, locked in the slumber of hopeless despair. But the angel was sent
from Heaven to support the Redeemer in drinking the cup that was
presented him. The language of his prayer was now changed; in the
spirit of submission he prayed: “If this cup may not pass away from
me, except I drink it, thy will be done.” A heavenly serenity now rested
upon the Saviour’s pale and blood-stained face.
The glorious vision of the angel dazzled the eyes of the disciples.
They remembered the mount of transfiguration, the glory that encircled
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Jesus in the temple, and the voice of God issuing from the cloud. They
saw the same glory here revealed, and had no farther fear for their
Master, since God had taken him in charge and an angel was present
to protect him from his foes. They were weary and heavy with sleep,
and again they dropped into unconsciousness.
The Saviour of the world arose and sought his disciples, and, for
the third time, found them fast asleep. He looked sorrowfully upon
them. His words, however, aroused them: “Sleep on now, and take
your rest; behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed
into the hands of sinners.”
Even while these words were upon his lips, the footsteps of the
mob that was in search of him were heard. Judas took the lead and
was closely followed by the high priest. Jesus turned to his disciples,
as his enemies approached, and said, “Rise, let us be going; behold,
he is at hand that doth betray me.” The countenance of the Saviour
wore an expression of calm dignity; no traces of his recent agony were
visible as he stepped forth to meet his betrayer.
He stood in advance of his disciples, and inquired, “Whom seek
ye?” They answered, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus replied, “I am he.”
As these words were uttered, the mob staggered back; and the priests,
elders, soldiers, and even Judas, dropped powerless to the ground. This
gave Jesus ample opportunity to escape from them if he had chosen
to do so. But he stood as one glorified amid that coarse and hardened
band. When Jesus answered, “I am he,” the angel who had lately
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ministered unto him moved between him and the murderous mob, who
saw a divine light illuminating the Saviour’s face, and a dove-like form
overshadowing him. Their wicked hearts were filled with terror. They
could not for a moment stand upon their feet in the presence of this
divine glory, and they fell as dead men to the ground.