Sorrow filled Heaven, as it was realized that man was lost, and that the world which God had created was to be filled with mortals doomed to misery, sickness, and death, and there was no way of escape for the offender. The whole family of Adam must die. I saw the lovely Jesus, and beheld an expression of sympathy and sorrow upon his countenance. Soon I saw him approach the exceeding bright light which enshrouded the Father. Said my accompanying angel, He is in close converse with his Father. The anxiety of the angels seemed to be intense while Jesus was communing with his Father. Three times he was shut in by the glorious light about the Father, and the third time he came from the Father, his person could be seen. His countenance was calm, free from all perplexity and doubt, and shone with benevolence and loveliness, such as words cannot express. He then made known to the angelic host that a way of escape had been made for lost man. He told them that he had been pleading with his Father, and had offered to give his life a ransom, and take the sentence of death upon himself, that through him man might find pardon; that through the merits of his blood, and obedience to the law of God, they could have the favor of God, and be brought into the beautiful garden, and eat of the fruit of the tree of life.
At first the angels could not rejoice; for their Commander concealed nothing from them, but opened before them the plan of salvation. Jesus told them that he would stand between the wrath of his Father and guilty man, that he would bear iniquity and scorn, and but few would receive him as the Son of God. Nearly all would hate and reject him. He would leave all his glory in Heaven, appear upon earth as a man, humble himself as a man, become acquainted by his own experience with the various temptations with which man would be beset, that he might know how121to succor those who should be tempted; and that finally, after his mission as a teacher should be accomplished, he would be delivered into the hands of men, and endure almost every cruelty and suffering that Satan and his angels could inspire wicked men to inflict; that he should die the cruelest of deaths, hung up between the heavens and the earth as a guilty sinner; that he should suffer dreadful hours of agony, which even angels could not look upon, but would veil their faces from the sight. Not merely agony of body would he suffer, but mental agony, that with which bodily suffering could in no wise be compared. The weight of the sins of the whole world would be upon him. He told them he would die and rise again the third day, and would ascend to his Father to intercede for wayward, guilty man.
The angels prostrated themselves before him. They offered their lives. Jesus said to them that he should by his death save many; that the life of an angel could not pay the debt. His life alone could be accepted of his Father as a ransom for man. Jesus also told them that they should have a part to act, to be with him, and at different times strengthen him. That he should take man’s fallen nature, and his strength would not be even equal with theirs. That they should be witnesses of his humiliation and great sufferings. And that as they should witness his sufferings, and the hatred of men toward him, they would be stirred with the deepest emotion, and through their love for him, would wish to rescue and deliver him from his murderers; but that they must not interfere to prevent anything they should behold; and that they should act a part in his resurrection; that the plan of salvation was devised, and his Father had accepted the plan.
With a holy sadness Jesus comforted and cheered the angels, and informed them that hereafter those whom he should redeem would be with him, and ever dwell with him; and that by his death he should ransom many, and destroy him who had the power of death.122And his Father would give him the kingdom, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, and he should possess it forever and ever. Satan and sinners should be destroyed, never more to disturb Heaven or the purified, new earth. Jesus bade the heavenly host be reconciled to the plan that his Father accepted, and rejoice that through his death, fallen man could again be exalted to obtain favor with God and enjoy Heaven.
Then joy, inexpressible joy, filled Heaven. And the heavenly host sung a song of praise and adoration. They touched their harps and sung a note higher than they had done before, for the great mercy and condescension of God in yielding up his dearly beloved to die for a race of rebels. Praise and adoration were poured forth for the self-denial and sacrifice of Jesus; that he would consent to leave the bosom of his Father, and choose a life of suffering and anguish, and die an ignominious death to give life to others.
Said the angel, Think ye that the Father yielded up his dearly beloved Son without a struggle? No, no. It was even a struggle with the God of Heaven, whether to let guilty man perish, or to give his beloved Son to die for him. Angels were so interested for man’s salvation that there could be found among them those who would yield their glory, and give their life for perishing man. But, said my accompanying angel, that would avail nothing. The transgression was so great that an angel’s life would not pay the debt. Nothing but the death and intercessions of his Son would pay the debt, and save lost man from hopeless sorrow and misery.
But the work of the angels was assigned them, to ascend and descend with strengthening balm from glory to soothe the Son of God in his sufferings, and minister unto him. Also, their work would be to guard and keep the subjects of grace from the evil angels, and the darkness constantly thrown around them by Satan. I saw that it was impossible for123God to alter or change his law, to save lost, perishing man; therefore he suffered his beloved Son to die for man's transgression.
Satan again rejoiced with his angels that he could, by causing man’s fall, pull down the Son of God from his exalted position. He told his angels that when Jesus should take fallen man’s nature, he could overpower him, and hinder the accomplishment of the plan of salvation.
I was shown Satan as he once was, a happy, exalted angel. Then I was shown him as he now is. He still bears a kingly form. His features are still noble, for he is an angel fallen. But the expression of his countenance is full of anxiety, care, unhappiness, malice, hate, mischief, deceit, and every evil. That brow which was once so noble, I particularly noticed. His forehead commenced from his eyes to recede. I saw that he had demeaned himself so long that every good quality was debased, and every evil trait was developed. His eyes were cunning, sly, and showed great penetration. His frame was large, but the flesh hung loosely about his hands and face. As I beheld him, his chin was resting upon his left hand. He appeared to be in deep thought. A smile was upon his countenance, which made me tremble, it was so full of evil and Satanic slyness. This smile is the one he wears just before he makes sure of his victim, and as he fastens the victim in his snare, this smile grows horrible.
THE FIRST ADVENT OF CHRIST.
I was carried down to the time when Jesus was to take upon himself man’s nature, humble himself as a man, and suffer the temptations of Satan.
His birth was without worldly grandeur. He was born in a stable, and cradled in a manger; yet his birth was honored far above that of any124of the sons of men. Angels from Heaven informed the shepherds of the advent of Jesus, and light and glory from God accompanied their testimony. The heavenly host touched their harps and glorified God. They triumphantly heralded the advent of the Son of God to a fallen world to accomplish the work of redemption, and by his death to bring peace, happiness, and everlasting life to man. God honored the advent of his Son. Angels worshiped him.
Angels of God hovered over the scene of his baptism; the Holy Spirit descended in the form of a dove and lighted upon him, and as the people stood greatly amazed, with their eyes fastened upon him, the Father’s voice was heard from Heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.
John was not certain that it was the Saviour who came to be baptized of him in Jordan. But God had promised him a sign by which he should know the Lamb of God. That sign was given as the heavenly dove rested upon Jesus, and the glory of God shone round about him. John reached forth his hand, pointing to Jesus, and with a loud voice cried out, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world!”
John informed his disciples that Jesus was the promised Messiah, the Saviour of the world. As his work was closing, he taught his disciples to look to Jesus, and follow him as the great teacher. John's life was sorrowful and self-denying. He heralded the first advent of Christ, but was not permitted to witness his miracles, and enjoy the power manifested by him. When Jesus should establish himself as a teacher, John knew that he himself must die. His voice was seldom heard, except in the wilderness. His life was lonely. He did not cling to his father's family, to enjoy their society, but left them in order to fulfill his mission. Multitudes left the busy cities and villages, and flocked to the wilderness to hear the words of the wonderful prophet. John laid the125axe to the root of the tree. He reproved sin, fearless of consequences, and prepared the way for the Lamb of God.
Herod was affected as he listened to the powerful, pointed testimonies of John, and with deep interest he inquired what he must do to become his disciple. John was acquainted with the fact that he was about to marry his brother’s wife, while her husband was yet living, and faithfully told Herod that this was not lawful. Herod was unwilling to make any sacrifice. He married his brother’s wife, and through her influence, seized John and put him in prison, intending, however, to release him. While there confined, John heard through his disciples of the mighty works of Jesus. He could not listen to his gracious words; but the disciples informed him, and comforted him with what they had heard. Soon John was beheaded, through the influence of Herod’s wife. I saw that the humblest disciples who followed Jesus, witnessed his miracles, and heard the comforting words which fell from his lips, were greater than John the Baptist; that is, they were more exalted and honored, and had more pleasure in their lives.
John came in the spirit and power of Elijah, to proclaim the first advent of Jesus. I was pointed down to the last days, and saw that John represented those who should go forth in the spirit and power of Elijah, to herald the day of wrath, and the second advent of Jesus.
After the baptism of Jesus in Jordan, he was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, to be tempted of the devil. The Holy Spirit had prepared him for that special scene of fierce temptations. Forty days he was tempted of Satan, and in those days he ate nothing. Everything around him was unpleasant, from which human nature would be led to shrink. He was with the wild beasts and the devil, in a desolate, lonely place. The Son of God was pale and emaciated, through fasting and suffering. But his126course was marked out, and he must fulfill the work which he came to do.
Satan took advantage of the sufferings of the Son of God, and prepared to beset him with manifold temptations, hoping to obtain the victory over him, because he had humbled himself as a man. Satan came with this temptation: If thou be the Son of God, command that this stone be made bread. He tempted Jesus to condescend to give him proof of his being the Messiah, by exercising his divine power. Jesus mildly answered him, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.
Satan was seeking a dispute with Jesus concerning his being the Son of God. He referred to his weak, suffering condition, and boastingly affirmed that he was stronger than Jesus. But the word spoken from Heaven, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased, was sufficient to sustain Jesus through all his sufferings. I saw that Christ had nothing to do in convincing Satan of his power, or of his being the Saviour of the world. Satan had sufficient evidence of his exalted station and authority. His unwillingness to yield to Christ’s authority, had shut him out of Heaven.
Satan, to manifest his power, carried Jesus to Jerusalem, and set him upon a pinnacle of the temple, and there tempted him to give evidence that he was the Son of God, by casting himself down from that dizzy height. Satan came with the words of inspiration: “For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee; and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.” Jesus answering said unto him, “It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.” Satan wished to cause Jesus to presume upon the mercy of his Father, and risk his life before the fulfillment of his mission. He had hoped that the plan of salvation would fail; but the plan was laid too deep to be overthrown or marred by Satan.
Christ is the example for all Christians. When they are tempted, or their rights are disputed, they should bear it patiently. They should not feel that they have a right to call upon the Lord to display his power, that they may obtain a victory over their enemies, unless God can be directly honored and glorified thereby. If Jesus had cast himself from the pinnacle of the temple, it would not have glorified his Father; for none would have witnessed the act but Satan and the angels of God. And it would have been tempting the Lord to display his power to his bitterest foe. It would have been condescending to the one whom Jesus came to conquer.
“And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, showed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will, I give it. If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan; for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.”
Satan presented before Jesus the kingdoms of the world in the most attractive light. If Jesus would there worship him, he offered to relinquish his claims to the possessions of earth. If the plan of salvation should be carried out, and Jesus should die to redeem man, Satan knew that his own power must be limited and finally taken away, and that he would be destroyed. Therefore it was his studied plan to prevent, if possible, the completion of the great work which had been commenced by the Son of God. If the plan of man’s redemption should fail, Satan would retain the kingdom which he then claimed. And if he should succeed, he flattered himself that he would reign in opposition to the God of Heaven.
Satan exulted when Jesus laid aside his power and glory, and left Heaven. He thought that the Son of God was then placed in his power. The temptation128took so easily with the holy pair in Eden, that he hoped by his Satanic power and cunning to overthrow even the Son of God, and thereby save his own life and kingdom. If he could tempt Jesus to depart from the will of his Father, his object would be gained. But Jesus met the tempter with the rebuke, “Get thee behind me, Satan.” He was to bow only to his Father. Satan claimed the kingdoms of earth as his, and insinuated to Jesus that all his sufferings might be saved; that he need not die to obtain the kingdoms of this world; if he would worship him he might have all the possessions of earth, and the glory of reigning over them. But Jesus was steadfast. He knew that the time was to come when he would by his own life redeem the kingdom from Satan, and that, after a season, all in Heaven and earth would submit to him. He chose his life of suffering and his dreadful death, as the way appointed by his Father that he might become a lawful heir to the kingdoms of earth, and have them given into his hands as an everlasting possession. Satan also will be given into his hands to be destroyed by death, never more to annoy Jesus or the saints in glory.
THE MINISTRY OF CHRIST.
AFTER Satan had ended his temptations, he departed from Jesus for a season, and angels prepared him food in the wilderness, and strengthened him, and the blessing of his Father rested upon him. Satan had failed in his fiercest temptations, yet he looked forward to the period of Jesus’ ministry, when he should at different times try his cunning against him. He still hoped to prevail against him by stirring up those who would not receive Jesus, to hate and seek to destroy him. Satan held a special council with his angels. They were disappointed and enraged that they had prevailed nothing against the129Son of God. They decided that they must be more cunning, and use their power to the utmost to inspire unbelief in the minds of his own nation as to his being the Saviour of the world, and in this way discourage Jesus in his mission. No matter how exact the Jews might be in their ceremonies and sacrifices, if they could be kept blinded as to the prophecies, and be made to believe that the Messiah was to appear as a mighty worldly king, they might be led to despise and reject Jesus.
I was shown that Satan and his angels were very busy during Christ’s ministry, inspiring men with unbelief, hate, and scorn. Often when Jesus uttered some cutting truth, reproving their sins, the people would become enraged. Satan and his angels urged them on to take the life of the Son of God. More than once they took up stones to cast at him, but angels guarded him, and bore him away from the angry multitude to a place of safety. Again, as the plain truth dropped from his holy lips, the multitude laid hold of him, and led him to the brow of a hill, intending to cast him down. A contention arose among themselves as to what they should do with him, when the angels again hid him from the sight of the multitude, and he, passing through the midst of them, went his way.
Satan still hoped that the great plan of salvation would fail. He exerted all his power to make the hearts of the people hard, and their feelings bitter against Jesus. He hoped that so few would receive him as the Son of God that he would consider his sufferings and sacrifice too great to make for so small a company. But I saw that if there had been but two who would have accepted Jesus as the Son of God, and believed on him to the saving of their souls, he would have carried out the plan.
Jesus began his work by breaking Satan’s power over the suffering. He restored the sick to health, gave sight to the blind, and healed the lame, causing them to leap for joy and to glorify God. He restored130to health those who had been infirm, and bound by Satan’s cruel power many years. With gracious words he comforted the weak, the trembling, and the desponding. The feeble, suffering ones whom Satan held in triumph, Jesus wrenched from his grasp, bringing to them soundness of body, and great joy and happiness. He raised the dead to life, and they glorified God for the mighty display of his power. He wrought mightily for all who believed on him.
The life of Christ was filled with words and acts of benevolence, sympathy, and love. He was ever attentive to listen to and relieve the woes of those who came to him. Multitudes carried in their own persons the evidence of his divine power. Yet after the work had been accomplished, many were ashamed of the humble yet mighty teacher. Because the rulers did not believe on him, the people were not willing to accept Jesus. He was a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief. They could not endure to be governed by his sober, self-denying life. They wished to enjoy the honor which the world bestows. Yet many followed the Son of God and listened to his instructions, feasting upon the words which fell so graciously from his lips. His words were full of meaning, yet so plain that the weakest could understand them.
Satan and his angels blinded the eyes and darkened the understanding of the Jews, and stirred up the chief of the people and the rulers to take the Saviour’s life. Officers were sent to bring Jesus unto them; but as they came near where he was, they were greatly amazed. They saw him filled with sympathy and compassion, as he witnessed human woe. They heard him in love and tenderness speak encouragingly to the weak and afflicted. They also heard him, in a voice of authority, rebuke the power of Satan, and bid his captives go free. They listened to the words of wisdom that fell from his lips, and they were captivated; they could not lay hands on him.131They returned to the priests and elders without Jesus. When asked, “Why have ye not brought him?” they related what they had witnessed of his miracles, and the holy words of wisdom, love, and knowledge which they had heard, and ended with saying, “Never man spake like this man.” The chief priests accused them of being also deceived, and some of the officers were ashamed that they had not taken him. The priests inquired in a scornful manner if any of the rulers had believed on him. I saw that many of the magistrates and elders did believe on Jesus; but Satan kept them from acknowledging it; they feared the reproach of the people more than they feared God.
Thus far the cunning and hatred of Satan had not broken up the plan of salvation. The time for the accomplishment of the object for which Jesus came into the world was drawing near. Satan and his angels consulted together, and decided to inspire Christ’s own nation to cry eagerly for his blood, and heap upon him cruelty and scorn. They hoped that Jesus would resent such treatment, and fail to maintain his humility and meekness.
While Satan was laying his plans, Jesus was carefully opening to his disciples the sufferings through which he must pass,—that he would be crucified, and that he would rise again the third day. But their understanding seemed dull, and they could not comprehend what he told them.
THE TRANSFIGURATION.
The faith of the disciples was greatly strengthened at the transfiguration, when they were permitted to behold Christ’s glory, and to hear the voice from Heaven testifying to his divine character. God chose to give the followers of Jesus strong proof that he was the promised Messiah, that in their bitter sorrow and disappointment at his crucifixion,132they should not entirely cast away their confidence. At the transfiguration the Lord sent Moses and Elias to talk with Jesus concerning his sufferings and death. Instead of choosing angels to converse with his Son, God chose those who had themselves experienced the trials of earth
Elijah had walked with God. His work had been painful and trying; for the Lord through him had reproved the sins of Israel. Elijah was a prophet of God, yet he was compelled to flee from place to place to save his life. His own nation hunted him like a wild beast, that they might destroy him. But God translated Elijah. Angels bore him in glory and triumph to Heaven.
Moses was greater than any who had lived before him. He had been highly honored of God, being privileged to talk with the Lord face to face, as a man speaks with a friend. He was permitted to see the bright light and excellent glory that enshrouded the Father. The Lord through Moses delivered the children of Israel from Egyptian bondage. Moses was a mediator for his people, often standing between them and the wrath of God. When the anger of the Lord was greatly kindled against Israel for their unbelief, their murmurings, and their grievous sins, Moses’ love for them was tested. God proposed to destroy them and to make of him a mighty nation. Moses showed his love for Israel by his earnest pleading in their behalf. In his distress he prayed God to turn from his fierce anger, and forgive Israel, or blot his name out of his book.
When Israel murmured against God and against Moses, because they could get no water, they accused him of leading them out to kill them and their children. God heard their murmurings, and bade Moses smite the rock, that the people might have water. Moses smote the rock in wrath, and took the glory to himself. The continual waywardness and murmuring of the children of Israel had caused him the keenest sorrow, and for a little time he forgot how133much the Lord had borne with them, and that their murmuring was not against him, but against God. He thought only of himself, how deeply he was wronged, and how little gratitude they manifested in return for his deep love for them.
It was God’s plan to often bring his people into strait places, and then in their necessity to deliver them by his power, that they might realize his love and care for them, and thus be led to serve and honor him. But Moses had failed to honor God and magnify his name before the people that they might glorify him. In this he brought upon himself the Lord’s displeasure.
When Moses came down from the mount with the two tables of stone, and saw Israel worshiping the golden calf, his anger was greatly kindled, and he threw down the tables of stone, and broke them. I saw that Moses did not sin in this. He was wroth for God, jealous for his glory. But when he yielded to the natural feelings of his heart, and took to himself the honor which was due to God, he sinned, and for that sin, God would not suffer him to enter the land of Canaan.
Satan had been trying to find something wherewith to accuse Moses before the angels. He exulted at his success in leading him to displease God, and he told the angels that he could overcome the Saviour of the world when he should come to redeem man. For his transgression, Moses came under the power of Satan,—the dominion of death. Had he remained steadfast, the Lord would have brought him to the promised land, and would then have translated him to Heaven without his seeing death.
Moses passed through death, but Michael came down and gave him life before his body had seen corruption. Satan tried to hold the body claiming it as his; but Michael resurrected Moses, and took him to Heaven. Satan railed bitterly against God, denouncing him as unjust in permitting his prey to be taken from him; but Christ did not rebuke his134adversary, though it was through his temptation that the servant of God had fallen. He meekly referred him to his Father, saying, “The Lord rebuke thee.”
Jesus had told his disciples that there were some standing with him who should not taste of death till they should see the kingdom of God come with power. At the transfiguration this promise was fulfilled. The countenance of Jesus was there changed, and shone like the sun. His raiment was white and glistening. Moses was present to represent those who will be raised from the dead at the second appearing of Jesus. And Elias, who was translated without seeing death, represented those who will be changed to immortality at Christ’s second coming, and will be translated to Heaven without seeing death. The disciples beheld with astonishment and fear the excellent majesty of Jesus, and the cloud that overshadowed them, and heard the voice of God in terrible majesty, saying, “This is my beloved Son; hear him.”
THE BETRAYAL OF CHRIST.
I was carried down to the time when Jesus ate the passover supper with his disciples. Satan had deceived Judas, and led him to think that he was one of Christ’s true disciples; but his heart had ever been carnal. He had seen the mighty works of Jesus, he had been with him through his ministry, and had yielded to the overpowering evidence that he was the Messiah; but Judas was close and covetous; he loved money. He complained in anger of the costly ointment poured upon Jesus. Mary loved her Lord. He had forgiven her sins, which were many, and had raised from the dead her much-loved brother, and she felt that nothing was too dear to bestow upon Jesus. The more precious the ointment, the better could she express her gratitude to her135Saviour by devoting it to him. Judas, as an excuse for his covetousness, urged that the ointment might have been sold, and given to the poor. But it was not because he had any care for the poor; for he was selfish, and often appropriated to his own use that which was entrusted to his care to be given to the poor. Judas had been inattentive to the comfort, and even to the wants of Jesus, and to excuse his covetousness he often referred to the poor. This act of generosity on the part of Mary was a most cutting rebuke of his covetous disposition. The way was prepared for Satan’s temptation to find a ready reception in the heart of Judas.
The priests and rulers of the Jews hated Jesus; but multitudes thronged to listen to his words of wisdom and to witness his mighty works. The people were stirred with the deepest interest, and anxiously followed Jesus to hear the instructions of this wonderful teacher. Many of the rulers believed on him, but dared not confess their faith lest they should be put out of the synagogue. The priests and elders decided that something must be done to draw the attention of the people from Jesus. They feared that all men would believe on him. They could see no safety for themselves. They must lose their position, or put Jesus to death. And after they should put him to death, there would still be those who were living monuments of his 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,136and 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.”
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.
After Jesus had prayed, he came to his disciples; but they were sleeping. In that dreadful hour he had not the sympathy and prayers of even his disciples. Peter, who was so zealous a short time before, was137heavy with sleep. Jesus reminded him of his positive declarations, and said to him, “What, could ye not watch with me one hour?” Three times the Son of God prayed in agony. Then Judas, with his band of armed men, appeared. He approached his Master as usual, to salute him. The band surrounded Jesus; but there he manifested his divine power, as he said, Whom seek ye? I am he. They fell backward to the ground. Jesus made this inquiry that they might witness his power, and have evidence that he could deliver himself from their hands if he would.
The disciples began to hope, as they saw the multitude with their staves and swords fall so quickly. As they arose and again surrounded the Son of God, Peter drew his sword and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off an ear. Jesus bade him put up the sword, saying, “Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?” I saw that as these words were spoken, the countenances of the angels were animated with hope. They wished then and there to surround their Commander, and disperse that angry mob. But again sadness settled upon them, as Jesus added, “But how then shall the Scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?” The hearts of the disciples also sunk in despair and bitter disappointment, as Jesus suffered himself to be led away by his enemies.
The disciples feared for their own lives, and they all forsook him and fled. Jesus was left alone in the hands of the murderous mob. Oh, what a triumph of Satan then! And what sadness and sorrow with the angels of God! Many companies of holy angels, each with a tall commanding angel at their head, were sent to witness the scene. They were to record every insult and cruelty imposed upon the Son of God, and to register every pang of anguish which Jesus should suffer; for the very men who joined in this dreadful scene are to see it all again in living characters.