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From Heaven With Love
How Christ’s Prayer Was Answered
Christ’s agony did not cease, but His depression and discourage-
ment left Him. The storm had not abated, but He was strengthened
to meet its fury. A heavenly peace rested on His bloodstained face.
He had borne that which no human being could ever bear; for He
had tasted the sufferings of death for every man.
The sleeping disciples, suddenly awakened, saw the angel. They
heard his voice speaking words of comfort and hope to the Saviour.
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.
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Looking sorrowfully on them Jesus said, “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, 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. “Whom seek ye?”
They answered, “Jesus of Nazareth.”
Jesus replied, “I am He.” As these words were spoken, the angel
who had ministered to Jesus moved between Him and the mob. A
divine light illuminated the Saviour’s face. In the presence of this
divine glory, the murderous throng staggered back. Even Judas fell
to the ground.
The angel withdrew, and the light faded away. Jesus had oppor-
tunity to escape, but He remained in the midst of that hardened band,
now prostrate and helpless at His feet.
But quickly the scene changed. The Roman soldiers, the priests,
and Judas gathered about 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
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. For them He was
ready to sacrifice Himself.
Judas the betrayer did not forget the part he was to act. To the
pursuers of Jesus he had given a sign, saying, “Whomsoever I shall