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Trial of Christ
173
soldiers. The disciples hoped that Jesus would manifest His power
and convince all that He was the King of Israel.
Judas was filled with bitter remorse and shame at his treacherous
act in betraying Jesus. And when he witnessed the abuse which
the Saviour endured, he was overcome. He had loved Jesus, but
had loved money more. He had not thought that Jesus would suffer
Himself to be taken by the mob which he led on. He had expected
Him to work a miracle, and deliver Himself from them. But when
he saw the infuriated multitude in the judgment hall, thirsting for
blood, he deeply felt his guilt; and while many were vehemently
accusing Jesus, Judas rushed through the multitude, confessing that
he had sinned in betraying innocent blood. He offered the priests
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the money which they had paid him, and entreated them to release
Jesus, declaring that He was entirely innocent.
For a short time vexation and confusion kept the priests silent.
They did not wish the people to know that they had hired one of the
professed followers of Jesus to betray Him into their hands. Their
hunting Jesus like a thief and taking Him secretly, they wished to
hide. But the confession of Judas, and his haggard, guilty appear-
ance, exposed the priests before the multitude, showing that it was
hatred that had caused them to take Jesus. As Judas loudly declared
Jesus to be innocent, the priests replied, “What is that to us? see
thou to that.” They had Jesus in their power, and were determined
to make sure of Him. Judas, overwhelmed with anguish, threw the
money that he now despised at the feet of those who had hired him,
and, in anguish and horror, went and hanged himself.
Jesus had many sympathizers in the company about Him, and
His answering nothing to the many questions put to Him amazed
the throng. Under all the mockery and violence of the mob, not
a frown, not a troubled expression, rested upon His features. He
was dignified and composed. The spectators looked upon Him with
wonder. They compared His perfect form and firm, dignified bearing
with the appearance of those who sat in judgment against Him, and
said to one another that He appeared more like a king than any of
the rulers. He bore no marks of being a criminal. His eye was mild,
clear, and undaunted, His forehead broad and high. Every feature
was strongly marked with benevolence and noble principle. His
patience and forbearance were so unlike man that many trembled.