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Betrayal of Christ
169
power. Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead, and they feared that
if they should kill Jesus, Lazarus would testify of His mighty power.
The people were flocking to see him who was raised from the dead,
and the rulers determined to slay Lazarus also, and put down the
excitement. Then they would turn the people to the traditions and
doctrines of men, to tithe mint and rue, and again have influence
over them. They agreed to take Jesus when He was alone; for if
they should attempt to take Him in a crowd, when the minds of the
people were all interested in Him, they would be stoned.
Judas knew how anxious they were to obtain Jesus and offered to
betray Him to the chief priests and elders for a few pieces of silver.
His love of money led him to agree to betray his Lord into the hands
of His bitterest enemies. Satan was working directly through Judas,
and in the midst of the impressive scene of the last supper, the traitor
was devising plans to betray his Master. Jesus sorrowfully told His
disciples that all of them would be offended because of Him that
night. But Peter ardently affirmed that although all others should
be offended because of Him, he would not be offended. Jesus said
to Peter: “Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as
wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when
thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.”
Luke 22:31, 32
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I beheld Jesus in the garden with His disciples. In deep sorrow
He bade them watch and pray, lest they should enter into temptation.
He knew that their faith was to be tried, and their hopes disappointed,
and that they would need all the strength which they could obtain by
close watching and fervent prayer. With strong cries and weeping,
Jesus prayed, “Father, if Thou be willing, remove this cup from
Me: nevertheless not My will, but Thine, be done.” The Son of God
prayed in agony. Great drops of blood gathered upon His face and
fell to the ground. Angels were hovering over the place, witnessing
the scene, but only one was commissioned to go and strengthen the
Son of God in His agony. There was no joy in heaven. The angels
cast their crowns and harps from them and with the deepest interest
silently watched Jesus. They wished to surround the Son of God,
but the commanding angels suffered them not, lest, as they should
behold His betrayal, they should deliver Him; for the plan had been
laid, and it must be fulfilled.