Humble Hero

How Christ’s Prayer Was Answered

Christ’s agony did not end, but His depression and discouragement 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. HH 320.1

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. HH 320.2

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.” HH 320.3

No traces of His recent agony were visible as Jesus stepped forward to meet His betrayer. “Whom are you seeking?” HH 320.4

They answered, “Jesus of Nazareth.” HH 320.5

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. HH 320.6

The angel withdrew, and the light faded away. Jesus had opportunity to escape, but He remained in the midst of that hardened rabble, now on the ground and helpless at His feet. HH 320.7

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 Savior then said, “I have told you that I am He. Therefore, if you seek Me, let these go their way”—pointing to the disciples. He was ready to sacrifice Himself for them. HH 320.8

Judas the betrayer did not forget the part he was to act. He had given a sign to Jesus’ pursuers, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the One; seize Him.” Now, coming close to Jesus, he took His hand as a familiar friend. With the words, “Greetings, Rabbi,” he kissed Him repeatedly, and he appeared to weep as if in sympathy with Jesus in His danger. HH 320.9

Jesus said, “Friend, why have you come?” His voice trembling with sorrow, He added, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” This appeal should have awakened the betrayer’s conscience, but honor and human tenderness had left him. He had given himself up to Satan and had no power to resist him. Jesus did not refuse the traitor’s kiss. HH 320.10

The mob now laid hold of Jesus and set about to bind those hands that had always been employed in doing good. HH 321.1

The disciples were disappointed and indignant as they saw the cords brought forward to bind the hands of the One they loved. In anger Peter drew his sword and cut off an ear of the high priest’s servant. When Jesus saw what had happened, He released His hands, though held firmly by the Roman soldiers, and saying, “Permit even this,” He touched the wounded ear, and it was made whole instantly. HH 321.2

Then He said to Peter, “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels?”—a legion in place of each disciple. “Oh, why,” the disciples thought, “does He not save Himself and us?” Answering their unspoken thought, He added, “How then could the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen thus?” “Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?” HH 321.3

The scheming priests and elders had joined the temple police and rabble in following Judas to Gethsemane. What a company for those dignitaries to unite with—a mob armed with all kinds of implements, as if in pursuit of a wild beast! HH 321.4

Turning to the priests and elders, Christ spoke words they would never forget: “You come out against Me with swords and clubs as you would against a thief or a robber. Day by day I sat teaching in the temple. You had every opportunity to lay hands on Me, and you did nothing. The night is better suited to your work. ‘This is your hour, and the power of darkness.’” HH 321.5

The disciples were terrified as they saw Jesus permit Himself to be taken and bound. They were offended that He would allow this humiliation to Himself and them. They could not understand His conduct, and they blamed Him for submitting. In their indignation and fear, Peter proposed that they save themselves. Following this suggestion, “they all forsook Him and fled.” HH 321.6