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Awesome Struggle in Gethsemane
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Him that His death would result in the complete defeat of Satan, and
that the kingdom of this world would be given to the saints of the
Most High. He told Him that He would see a great number of the
human race saved, eternally saved.
How Christ’s Prayer Was Answered
Christ’s agony did not end, but His depression and discourage-
ment left Him. The storm had not lessened, but He was strengthened
to meet its fury. A heavenly peace rested on His bloodstained face.
He had borne what no human being could ever bear, for He had
tasted the sufferings of death for everyone.
The sleeping disciples, suddenly awakened, saw the angel. They
heard his voice speaking words of comfort and hope to the Savior.
Now they had no further fear for their Master; He was under the
care of God. Again the disciples yielded to the strange stupor that
overpowered them, and again Jesus found them sleeping.
Looking sorrowfully at them Jesus said, “Are you still sleeping
and resting? Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is
being betrayed into the hands of sinners.” Even as He spoke, He
heard the footsteps of the mob in search of Him, and said, “Rise, let
us be going. See, My betrayer is at hand.”
No traces of His recent agony were visible as Jesus stepped
forward to meet His betrayer. “Whom are you seeking?”
They answered, “Jesus of Nazareth.”
Jesus replied, “I am He.” As He spoke these words, the angel
who had ministered to Jesus moved between Him and the mob. A
divine light illuminated the Savior’s face. In the presence of this
divine glory, the murderous crowd staggered back. Even Judas fell
to the ground.
The angel withdrew, and the light faded away. Jesus had op-
portunity to escape, but He remained in the midst of that hardened
rabble, now on the ground and helpless at His feet.
But quickly the scene changed. The Roman soldiers, the priests,
and Judas gathered around Christ, fearful that He would escape.
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
are you seeking?” they answered again, “Jesus of Nazareth.” The