In the Judgment Hall
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“Hide us from the face of Him who sitteth upon the throne, and from
the wrath of the Lamb.”
Jesus was pushed hither and thither, and so insulted and abused that
at last the Roman officers were ashamed and angry that a man against
whom nothing had yet been proven should be subject to the brutal
treatment of the worst class of persons. Accordingly they accused the
Jewish authorities of assuming to exercise a power that did not belong
to them, in trying a man for his life, and pronouncing his condemnation.
They declared that in doing this they infringed upon the Roman power,
and that it was even against the Jewish law to condemn any man to
death on his own testimony. This intervention of Roman authority
caused a lull in the rude excitement.
Just then a hoarse voice rang through the hall, which sent a thrill
of terror through the hearts of all present: He is innocent. Spare him,
O Caiaphas! He has done nothing worthy of death! The tall form of
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Judas was now seen pressing his way through the startled crowd. His
face was pale and haggard, and large drops of perspiration stood upon
his forehead. He rushed to the throne of judgment, and threw down
before the high priest the pieces of silver he had received as the price
of his Lord’s betrayal. He eagerly grasped the robe of Caiaphas, and
implored him to release Jesus, declaring that he was innocent of all
crime. Caiaphas angrily shook him off, but he was confused and knew
not what to say. The perfidy of the priests was revealed before the
people. It was evident to all that Judas had been bribed to deliver Jesus
into the hands of those who sought his life.
Judas continued to beseech Caiaphas to do nothing against Jesus,
declaring that he was indeed the Son of God, and cursing himself that
he had betrayed innocent blood. But the high priest, having recovered
his self-possession, answered with chilling scorn, “What is that to us?
see thou to that.” He then represented to the people that Judas was
some poor maniac, one of the mad followers of Jesus, and charged
them not to let any influence prevail to release the prisoner, who was a
base deceiver.
Finding his prayers were in vain. Judas fell at the feet of Jesus,
acknowledging him to be the Son of God, begging forgiveness for
his sin, and imploring him to exercise his God-like power and deliver
himself from his enemies. The Saviour did not reproach his betrayer
either by look or word. He knew that he was suffering the bitterest