594
The Desire of Ages
had no further fear for their Master. He was under the care of God; a
mighty angel had been sent to protect Him. Again the disciples in their
weariness yield to the strange stupor that overpowers them. Again
Jesus finds them sleeping.
Looking sorrowfully upon them He says, “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 as He spoke these words, He heard the footsteps of the mob
in search of Him, and said, “Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at
hand that doth betray Me.”
No traces of His recent agony were visible as Jesus stepped forth
to meet His betrayer. Standing in advance of His disciples He said,
“Whom seek ye?” They answered, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus replied,
“I am He.” As these words were spoken, the angel who had lately
ministered to Jesus moved between Him and the mob. A divine light
illuminated the Saviour’s face, and a dovelike form overshadowed
Him. In the presence of this divine glory, the murderous throng could
not stand for a moment. They staggered back. Priests, elders, soldiers,
and even Judas, fell as dead men to the ground.
The angel withdrew, and the light faded away. Jesus had oppor-
tunity to escape, but He remained, calm and self-possessed. As one
glorified He stood in the midst of that hardened band, now prostrate
and helpless at His feet. The disciples looked on, silent with wonder
and awe.
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But quickly the scene changed. The mob started up. The Roman
soldiers, the priests and Judas, gathered about Christ. They seemed
ashamed of their weakness, and fearful that He would yet escape.
Again the question was asked by the Redeemer, “Whom seek ye?”
They had had evidence that He who stood before them was the Son of
God, but they would not be convinced. To the question, “Whom seek
ye?” again they answered, “Jesus of Nazareth.” The Saviour then said,
“I have told you that I am He: if therefore ye seek Me, let these go
their way”—pointing to the disciples. He knew how weak was their
faith, and He sought to shield them from temptation and trial. For
them He was ready to sacrifice Himself.
Judas the betrayer did not forget the part he was to act. When
the mob entered the garden, he had led the way, closely followed by
the high priest. To the pursuers of Jesus he had given a sign, saying,