Before Annas, Caiaphas, and the Sanhedrin
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Jesus was taken to the guard room, and there suffered mockery and
abuse from the soldiers and the rabble.
At daybreak He was again brought before His judges, and the final
sentence of condemnation was pronounced.
A satanic fury then took possession of the leaders and the people.
The roar of voices was like that of wild beasts. They made a rush for
Jesus, crying, “He is guilty, put Him to death!” and had it not been for
the soldiers, He would have been torn in pieces. But Roman authority
interposed, and by force of arms restrained the violence of the mob.
Priests, rulers, and the rabble joined in abusing the Saviour. An old
garment was thrown over His head; and His persecutors struck Him in
the face, saying:
“Prophesy unto us, Thou Christ, Who is he that smote Thee?”
Matthew 26:68
.
When the garment was removed, one of the mocking throng spat
in the Saviour’s face.
The angels of God faithfully recorded every insulting look, word,
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and act against their beloved Commander. One day those base men
who scorned and spat upon the calm, pale face of Christ will look upon
it in its glory, shining brighter than the sun.
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