EGW WritingsLuke 22

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 75—Before Annas and the Court of Caiaphas

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Over the brook Kedron, past gardens and olive groves, and through the hushed streets of the sleeping city, they hurried Jesus. It was past midnight, and the cries of the hooting mob that followed Him broke sharply upon the still air. The Saviour was bound and closely guarded, and He moved painfully. But in eager haste His captors made their way with Him to the palace of Annas, the ex-high priest.

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Annas was the head of the officiating priestly family, and in deference to his age he was recognized by the people as high priest. His counsel was sought and carried out as the voice of God. He must first see Jesus a captive to priestly power. He must be present at the examination of the prisoner, for fear that the less-experienced Caiaphas might fail of securing the object for which they were working. His artifice, cunning, and subtlety must be used on this occasion; for, at all events, Christ’s condemnation must be secured.

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Christ was to be tried formally before the Sanhedrin; but before Annas He was subjected to a preliminary trial. Under the Roman rule the Sanhedrin could not execute the sentence of death. They could only examine a prisoner, and pass judgment, to be ratified by the Roman authorities. It was therefore necessary to bring against Christ charges that would be regarded as criminal by the Romans. An accusation must also be found which would condemn Him in the eyes of the Jews. Not a few among the priests and rulers had been convicted by Christ’s teaching, and only fear of excommunication prevented them from confessing Him. The priests well remembered the question of Nicodemus, “Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth?” John 7:51. This question had for the time broken up the council, and thwarted their plans. Joseph of Arimathaea and Nicodemus were not now to be summoned, but there were others who might dare to speak in favor of justice. The trial must be so conducted as to unite the members of the Sanhedrin against Christ. There were two charges which the priests desired to maintain. If Jesus could be proved a blasphemer, He would be condemned by the Jews. If convicted of sedition, it would secure His condemnation by the Romans. The second charge Annas tried first to establish. He questioned Jesus concerning His disciples and His doctrines, hoping the prisoner would say something that would give him material upon which to work. He thought to draw out some statement to prove that He was seeking to establish a secret society, with the purpose of setting up a new kingdom. Then the priests could deliver Him to the Romans as a disturber of the peace and a creator of insurrection.

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Christ read the priest’s purpose as an open book. As if reading the inmost soul of His questioner, He denied that there was between Him and His followers any secret bond of union, or that He gathered them secretly and in the darkness to conceal His designs. He had no secrets in regard to His purposes or doctrines. “I spake openly to the world,” He answered; “I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.”

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The Saviour contrasted His own manner of work with the methods of His accusers. For months they had hunted Him, striving to entrap Him and bring Him before a secret tribunal, where they might obtain by perjury what it was impossible to gain by fair means. Now they were carrying out their purpose. The midnight seizure by a mob, the mockery and abuse before He was condemned, or even accused, was their manner of work, not His. Their action was in violation of the law. Their own rules declared that every man should be treated as innocent until proved guilty. By their own rules the priests stood condemned.

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Turning upon His questioner, Jesus said, “Why askest thou Me?” Had not the priests and rulers sent spies to watch His movements, and report His every word? Had not these been present at every gathering of the people, and carried to the priests information of all His sayings and doings? “Ask them which heard Me, what I have said unto them,” replied Jesus; “behold, they know what I said.”

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Annas was silenced by the decision of the answer. Fearing that Christ would say something regarding his course of action that he would prefer to keep covered up, he said nothing more to Him at this time. One of his officers, filled with wrath as he saw Annas silenced, struck Jesus on the face, saying, “Answerest Thou the high priest so?”

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Christ calmly replied, “If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou Me?” He spoke no burning words of retaliation. His calm answer came from a heart sinless, patient, and gentle, that would not be provoked.

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Christ suffered keenly under abuse and insult. At the hands of the beings whom He had created, and for whom He was making an infinite sacrifice, He received every indignity. And He suffered in proportion to the perfection of His holiness and His hatred of sin. His trial by men who acted as fiends was to Him a perpetual sacrifice. To be surrounded by human beings under the control of Satan was revolting to Him. And He knew that in a moment, by the flashing forth of His divine power, He could lay His cruel tormentors in the dust. This made the trial the harder to bear.

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The Jews were looking for a Messiah to be revealed in outward show. They expected Him, by one flash of overmastering will, to change the current of men’s thoughts, and force from them an acknowledgment of His supremacy. Thus, they believed, He was to secure His own exaltation, and gratify their ambitious hopes. Thus when Christ was treated with contempt, there came to Him a strong temptation to manifest His divine character. By a word, by a look, He could compel His persecutors to confess that He was Lord above kings and rulers, priests and temple. But it was His difficult task to keep to the position He had chosen as one with humanity.

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The angels of heaven witnessed every movement made against their loved Commander. They longed to deliver Christ. Under God the angels are all-powerful. On one occasion, in obedience to the command of Christ, they slew of the Assyrian army in one night one hundred and eighty-five thousand men. How easily could the angels, beholding the shameful scene of the trial of Christ, have testified their indignation by consuming the adversaries of God! But they were not commanded to do this. He who could have doomed His enemies to death bore with their cruelty. His love for His Father, and His pledge, made from the foundation of the world, to become the Sin Bearer, led Him to endure uncomplainingly the coarse treatment of those He came to save. It was a part of His mission to bear, in His humanity, all the taunts and abuse that men could heap upon Him. The only hope of humanity was in this submission of Christ to all that He could endure from the hands and hearts of men.

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Christ had said nothing that could give His accusers an advantage; yet He was bound, to signify that He was condemned. There must, however, be a pretense of justice. It was necessary that there should be the form of a legal trial. This the authorities were determined to hasten. They knew the regard in which Jesus was held by the people, and feared that if the arrest were noised abroad, a rescue would be attempted. Again, if the trial and execution were not brought about at once, there would be a week’s delay on account of the celebration of the Passover. This might defeat their plans. In securing the condemnation of Jesus they depended largely upon the clamor of the mob, many of them the rabble of Jerusalem. Should there be a week’s delay, the excitement would abate, and a reaction would be likely to set in. The better part of the people would be aroused in Christ’s favor; many would come forward with testimony in His vindication, bringing to light the mighty works He had done. This would excite popular indignation against the Sanhedrin. Their proceedings would be condemned, and Jesus would be set free, to receive new homage from the multitudes. The priests and rulers therefore determined that before their purpose could become known, Jesus should be delivered into the hands of the Romans.

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But first of all, an accusation was to be found. They had gained nothing as yet. Annas ordered Jesus to be taken to Caiaphas. Caiaphas belonged to the Sadducees, some of whom were now the most desperate enemies of Jesus. He himself, though wanting in force of character, was fully as severe, heartless, and unscrupulous as was Annas. He would leave no means untried to destroy Jesus. It was now early morning, and very dark; by the light of torches and lanterns the armed band with their prisoner proceeded to the high priest’s palace. Here, while the members of the Sanhedrin were coming together, Annas and Caiaphas again questioned Jesus, but without success.

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When the council had assembled in the judgment hall, Caiaphas took his seat as presiding officer. On either side were the judges, and those specially interested in the trial. The Roman soldiers were stationed on the platform below the throne. At the foot of the throne stood Jesus. Upon Him the gaze of the whole multitude was fixed. The excitement was intense. Of all the throng He alone was calm and serene. The very atmosphere surrounding Him seemed pervaded by a holy influence.

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Caiaphas had regarded Jesus as his rival. The eagerness of the people to hear the Saviour, and their apparent readiness to accept His teachings, had aroused the bitter jealousy of the high priest. But as Caiaphas now looked upon the prisoner, he was struck with admiration for His noble and dignified bearing. A conviction came over him that this Man was akin to God. The next instant he scornfully banished the thought. Immediately his voice was heard in sneering, haughty tones demanding that Jesus work one of His mighty miracles before them. But his words fell upon the Saviour’s ears as though He heard them not. The people compared the excited and malignant deportment of Annas and Caiaphas with the calm, majestic bearing of Jesus. Even in the minds of that hardened multitude arose the question, Is this man of godlike presence to be condemned as a criminal?

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Caiaphas, perceiving the influence that was obtaining, hastened the trial. The enemies of Jesus were in great perplexity. They were bent on securing His condemnation, but how to accomplish this they knew not. The members of the council were divided between the Pharisees and the Sadducees. There was bitter animosity and controversy between them; certain disputed points they dared not approach for fear of a quarrel. With a few words Jesus could have excited their prejudices against each other, and thus have averted their wrath from Himself. Caiaphas knew this, and he wished to avoid stirring up a contention. There were plenty of witnesses to prove that Christ had denounced the priests and scribes, that He had called them hypocrites and murderers; but this testimony it was not expedient to bring forward. The Sadducees in their sharp contentions with the Pharisees had used to them similar language. And such testimony would have no weight with the Romans, who were themselves disgusted with the pretensions of the Pharisees. There was abundant evidence that Jesus had disregarded the traditions of the Jews, and had spoken irreverently of many of their ordinances; but in regard to tradition the Pharisees and Sadducees were at swords’ points; and this evidence also would have no weight with the Romans. Christ’s enemies dared not accuse Him of Sabbathbreaking, lest an examination should reveal the character of His work. If His miracles of healing were brought to light, the very object of the priests would be defeated.

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False witnesses had been bribed to accuse Jesus of inciting rebellion and seeking to establish a separate government. But their testimony proved to be vague and contradictory. Under examination they falsified their own statements.

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Early in His ministry Christ had said, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” In the figurative language of prophecy, He had thus foretold His own death and resurrection. “He spake of the temple of His body.” John 2:19, 21. These words the Jews had understood in a literal sense, as referring to the temple at Jerusalem. Of all that Christ had said, the priests could find nothing to use against Him save this. By misstating these words they hoped to gain an advantage. The Romans had engaged in rebuilding and embellishing the temple, and they took great pride in it; any contempt shown to it would be sure to excite their indignation. Here Romans and Jews, Pharisees and Sadducees, could meet; for all held the temple in great veneration. On this point two witnesses were found whose testimony was not so contradictory as that of the others had been. One of them, who had been bribed to accuse Jesus, declared, “This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.” Thus Christ’s words were misstated. If they had been reported exactly as He spoke them, they would not have secured His condemnation even by the Sanhedrin. Had Jesus been a mere man, as the Jews claimed, His declaration would only have indicated an unreasonable, boastful spirit, but could not have been construed into blasphemy. Even as misrepresented by the false witnesses, His words contained nothing which would be regarded by the Romans as a crime worthy of death.

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Patiently Jesus listened to the conflicting testimonies. No word did He utter in self-defense. At last His accusers were entangled, confused, and maddened. The trial was making no headway; it seemed that their plottings were to fail. Caiaphas was desperate. One last resort remained; Christ must be forced to condemn Himself. The high priest started from the judgment seat, his face contorted with passion, his voice and demeanor plainly indicating that were it in his power he would strike down the prisoner before him. “Answerest Thou nothing?” he exclaimed; “what is it which these witness against Thee?”

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Jesus held His peace. “He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth: He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He openeth not His mouth.” Isaiah 53:7.

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At last, Caiaphas, raising his right hand toward heaven, addressed Jesus in the form of a solemn oath: “I adjure Thee by the living God, that Thou tell us whether Thou be the Christ, the Son of God.”

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To this appeal Christ could not remain silent. There was a time to be silent, and a time to speak. He had not spoken until directly questioned. He knew that to answer now would make His death certain. But the appeal was made by the highest acknowledged authority of the nation, and in the name of the Most High. Christ would not fail to show proper respect for the law. More than this, His own relation to the Father was called in question. He must plainly declare His character and mission. Jesus had said to His disciples, “Whosoever therefore shall confess Me before men, him will I confess also before My Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 10:32. Now by His own example He repeated the lesson.

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Every ear was bent to listen, and every eye was fixed on His face as He answered, “Thou hast said.” A heavenly light seemed to illuminate His pale countenance as He added, “Nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.”

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For a moment the divinity of Christ flashed through His guise of humanity. The high priest quailed before the penetrating eyes of the Saviour. That look seemed to read his hidden thoughts, and burn into his heart. Never in afterlife did he forget that searching glance of the persecuted Son of God.

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“Hereafter,” said Jesus, “shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.” In these words Christ presented the reverse of the scene then taking place. He, the Lord of life and glory, would be seated at God’s right hand. He would be the judge of all the earth, and from His decision there could be no appeal. Then every secret thing would be set in the light of God’s countenance, and judgment be passed upon every man according to his deeds.

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The words of Christ startled the high priest. The thought that there was to be a resurrection of the dead, when all would stand at the bar of God, to be rewarded according to their works, was a thought of terror to Caiaphas. He did not wish to believe that in future he would receive sentence according to his works. There rushed before his mind as a panorama the scenes of the final judgment. For a moment he saw the fearful spectacle of the graves giving up their dead, with the secrets he had hoped were forever hidden. For a moment he felt as if standing before the eternal Judge, whose eye, which sees all things, was reading his soul, bringing to light mysteries supposed to be hidden with the dead.

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The scene passed from the priest’s vision. Christ’s words cut him, the Sadducee, to the quick. Caiaphas had denied the doctrine of the resurrection, the judgment, and a future life. Now he was maddened by satanic fury. Was this man, a prisoner before him, to assail his most cherished theories? Rending his robe, that the people might see his pretended horror, he demanded that without further preliminaries the prisoner be condemned for blasphemy. “What further need have we of witnesses?” he said; “behold, now ye have heard His blasphemy. What think ye?” And they all condemned Him.

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Conviction mingled with passion led Caiaphas to do as he did. He was furious with himself for believing Christ’s words, and instead of rending his heart under a deep sense of truth, and confessing that Jesus was the Messiah, he rent his priestly robes in determined resistance. This act was deeply significant. Little did Caiaphas realize its meaning. In this act, done to influence the judges and secure Christ’s condemnation, the high priest had condemned himself. By the law of God he was disqualified for the priesthood. He had pronounced upon himself the death sentence.

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A high priest was not to rend his garments. By the Levitical law, this was prohibited under sentence of death. Under no circumstances, on no occasion, was the priest to rend his robe. It was the custom among the Jews for the garments to be rent at the death of friends, but this custom the priests were not to observe. Express command had been given by Christ to Moses concerning this. Leviticus 10:6.

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Everything worn by the priest was to be whole and without blemish. By those beautiful official garments was represented the character of the great antitype, Jesus Christ. Nothing but perfection, in dress and attitude, in word and spirit, could be acceptable to God. He is holy, and His glory and perfection must be represented by the earthly service. Nothing but perfection could properly represent the sacredness of the heavenly service. Finite man might rend his own heart by showing a contrite and humble spirit. This God would discern. But no rent must be made in the priestly robes, for this would mar the representation of heavenly things. The high priest who dared to appear in holy office, and engage in the service of the sanctuary, with a rent robe, was looked upon as having severed himself from God. By rending his garment he cut himself off from being a representative character. He was no longer accepted by God as an officiating priest. This course of action, as exhibited by Caiaphas, showed human passion, human imperfection.

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By rending his garments, Caiaphas made of no effect the law of God, to follow the tradition of men. A man-made law provided that in case of blasphemy a priest might rend his garments in horror at the sin, and be guiltless. Thus the law of God was made void by the laws of men.

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Each action of the high priest was watched with interest by the people; and Caiaphas thought for effect to display his piety. But in this act, designed as an accusation against Christ, he was reviling the One of whom God had said, “My name is in Him.” Exodus 23:21. He himself was committing blasphemy. Standing under the condemnation of God, he pronounced sentence upon Christ as a blasphemer.

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When Caiaphas rent his garment, his act was significant of the place that the Jewish nation as a nation would thereafter occupy toward God. The once favored people of God were separating themselves from Him, and were fast becoming a people disowned by Jehovah. When Christ upon the cross cried out, “It is finished” (John 19:30), and the veil of the temple was rent in twain, the Holy Watcher declared that the Jewish people had rejected Him who was the antitype of all their types, the substance of all their shadows. Israel was divorced from God. Well might Caiaphas then rend his official robes, which signified that he claimed to be a representative of the great High Priest; for no longer had they any meaning for him or for the people. Well might the high priest rend his robes in horror for himself and for the nation.

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The Sanhedrin had pronounced Jesus worthy of death; but it was contrary to the Jewish law to try a prisoner by night. In legal condemnation nothing could be done except in the light of day and before a full session of the council. Notwithstanding this, the Saviour was now treated as a condemned criminal, and given up to be abused by the lowest and vilest of humankind. The palace of the high priest surrounded an open court in which the soldiers and the multitude had gathered. Through this court, Jesus was taken to the guardroom, on every side meeting with mockery of His claim to be the Son of God. His own words, “sitting on the right hand of power,” and, “coming in the clouds of heaven,” were jeeringly repeated. While in the guardroom, awaiting His legal trial, He was not protected. The ignorant rabble had seen the cruelty with which He was treated before the council, and from this they took license to manifest all the satanic elements of their nature. Christ’s very nobility and godlike bearing goaded them to madness. His meekness, His innocence, His majestic patience, filled them with hatred born of Satan. Mercy and justice were trampled upon. Never was criminal treated in so inhuman a manner as was the Son of God.

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But a keener anguish rent the heart of Jesus; the blow that inflicted the deepest pain no enemy’s hand could have dealt. While He was undergoing the mockery of an examination before Caiaphas, Christ had been denied by one of His own disciples.

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After deserting their Master in the garden, two of the disciples had ventured to follow, at a distance, the mob that had Jesus in charge. These disciples were Peter and John. The priests recognized John as a well-known disciple of Jesus, and admitted him to the hall, hoping that as he witnessed the humiliation of his Leader, he would scorn the idea of such a one being the Son of God. John spoke in favor of Peter, and gained an entrance for him also.

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In the court a fire had been kindled; for it was the coldest hour of the night, being just before the dawn. A company drew about the fire, and Peter presumptuously took his place with them. He did not wish to be recognized as a disciple of Jesus. By mingling carelessly with the crowd, he hoped to be taken for one of those who had brought Jesus to the hall.

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But as the light flashed upon Peter’s face, the woman who kept the door cast a searching glance upon him. She had noticed that he came in with John, she marked the look of dejection on his face, and thought that he might be a disciple of Jesus. She was one of the servants of Caiaphas’ household, and was curious to know. She said to Peter, “Art not thou also one of this Man’s disciples?” Peter was startled and confused; the eyes of the company instantly fastened upon him. He pretended not to understand her; but she was persistent, and said to those around her that this man was with Jesus. Peter felt compelled to answer, and said angrily, “Woman, I know Him not.” This was the first denial, and immediately the cock crew. O Peter, so soon ashamed of thy Master! so soon to deny thy Lord!

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The disciple John, upon entering the judgment hall, did not try to conceal the fact that he was a follower of Jesus. He did not mingle with the rough company who were reviling his Master. He was not questioned, for he did not assume a false character, and thus lay himself liable to suspicion. He sought a retired corner secure from the notice of the mob, but as near Jesus as it was possible for him to be. Here he could see and hear all that took place at the trial of his Lord.

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Peter had not designed that his real character should be known. In assuming an air of indifference he had placed himself on the enemy’s ground, and he became an easy prey to temptation. If he had been called to fight for his Master, he would have been a courageous soldier; but when the finger of scorn was pointed at him, he proved himself a coward. Many who do not shrink from active warfare for their Lord are driven by ridicule to deny their faith. By associating with those whom they should avoid, they place themselves in the way of temptation. They invite the enemy to tempt them, and are led to say and do that of which under other circumstances they would never have been guilty. The disciple of Christ who in our day disguises his faith through dread of suffering or reproach denies his Lord as really as did Peter in the judgment hall.

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Peter tried to show no interest in the trial of his Master, but his heart was wrung with sorrow as he heard the cruel taunts, and saw the abuse He was suffering. More than this, he was surprised and angry that Jesus should humiliate Himself and His followers by submitting to such treatment. In order to conceal his true feelings, he endeavored to join with the persecutors of Jesus in their untimely jests. But his appearance was unnatural. He was acting a lie, and while seeking to talk unconcernedly he could not restrain expressions of indignation at the abuse heaped upon his Master.

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Attention was called to him the second time, and he was again charged with being a follower of Jesus. He now declared with an oath, “I do not know the Man.” Still another opportunity was given him. An hour had passed, when one of the servants of the high priest, being a near kinsman of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked him, “Did not I see thee in the garden with Him?” “Surely thou art one of them: for thou art a Galilean, and thy speech agreeth thereto.” At this Peter flew into a rage. The disciples of Jesus were noted for the purity of their language, and in order fully to deceive his questioners, and justify his assumed character, Peter now denied his Master with cursing and swearing. Again the cock crew. Peter heard it then, and he remembered the words of Jesus, “Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny Me thrice.” Mark 14:30.

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While the degrading oaths were fresh upon Peter’s lips, and the shrill crowing of the cock was still ringing in his ears, the Saviour turned from the frowning judges, and looked full upon His poor disciple. At the same time Peter’s eyes were drawn to his Master. In that gentle countenance he read deep pity and sorrow, but there was no anger there.

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The sight of that pale, suffering face, those quivering lips, that look of compassion and forgiveness, pierced his heart like an arrow. Conscience was aroused. Memory was active. Peter called to mind his promise of a few short hours before that he would go with his Lord to prison and to death. He remembered his grief when the Saviour told him in the upper chamber that he would deny his Lord thrice that same night. Peter had just declared that he knew not Jesus, but he now realized with bitter grief how well his Lord knew him, and how accurately He had read his heart, the falseness of which was unknown even to himself.

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A tide of memories rushed over him. The Saviour’s tender mercy, His kindness and long-suffering, His gentleness and patience toward His erring disciples,—all was remembered. He recalled the caution, “Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not.” Luke 22:31, 32. He reflected with horror upon his own ingratitude, his falsehood, his perjury. Once more he looked at his Master, and saw a sacrilegious hand raised to smite Him in the face. Unable longer to endure the scene, he rushed, heartbroken, from the hall.

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He pressed on in solitude and darkness, he knew not and cared not whither. At last he found himself in Gethsemane. The scene of a few hours before came vividly to his mind. The suffering face of his Lord, stained with bloody sweat and convulsed with anguish, rose before him. He remembered with bitter remorse that Jesus had wept and agonized in prayer alone, while those who should have united with Him in that trying hour were sleeping. He remembered His solemn charge, “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation.” Matthew 26:41. He witnessed again the scene in the judgment hall. It was torture to his bleeding heart to know that he had added the heaviest burden to the Saviour’s humiliation and grief. On the very spot where Jesus had poured out His soul in agony to His Father, Peter fell upon his face, and wished that he might die.

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It was in sleeping when Jesus bade him watch and pray that Peter had prepared the way for his great sin. All the disciples, by sleeping in that critical hour, sustained a great loss. Christ knew the fiery ordeal through which they were to pass. He knew how Satan would work to paralyze their senses that they might be unready for the trial. Therefore it was that He gave them warning. Had those hours in the garden been spent in watching and prayer, Peter would not have been left to depend upon his own feeble strength. He would not have denied his Lord. Had the disciples watched with Christ in His agony, they would have been prepared to behold His suffering upon the cross. They would have understood in some degree the nature of His overpowering anguish. They would have been able to recall His words that foretold His sufferings, His death, and His resurrection. Amid the gloom of the most trying hour, some rays of hope would have lighted up the darkness and sustained their faith.

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As soon as it was day, the Sanhedrin again assembled, and again Jesus was brought into the council room. He had declared Himself the Son of God, and they had construed His words into a charge against Him. But they could not condemn Him on this, for many of them had not been present at the night session, and they had not heard His words. And they knew that the Roman tribunal would find in them nothing worthy of death. But if from His own lips they could all hear those words repeated, their object might be gained. His claim to the Messiahship they might construe into a seditious political claim.

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“Art Thou the Christ?” they said, “tell us.” But Christ remained silent. They continued to ply Him with questions. At last in tones of mournful pathos He answered, “If I tell you, ye will not believe; and if I also ask you, ye will not answer Me, nor let Me go.” But that they might be left without excuse He added the solemn warning, “Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God.”

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“Art Thou then the Son of God?” they asked with one voice. He said unto them, “Ye say that I am.” They cried out, “What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of His own mouth.”

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And so by the third condemnation of the Jewish authorities, Jesus was to die. All that was now necessary, they thought, was for the Romans to ratify this condemnation, and deliver Him into their hands.

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Then came the third scene of abuse and mockery, worse even than that received from the ignorant rabble. In the very presence of the priests and rulers, and with their sanction, this took place. Every feeling of sympathy or humanity had gone out of their hearts. If their arguments were weak, and failed to silence His voice, they had other weapons, such as in all ages have been used to silence heretics,—suffering, and violence, and death.

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When the condemnation of Jesus was pronounced by the judges, a satanic fury took possession of the people. The roar of voices was like that of wild beasts. The crowd made a rush toward Jesus, crying, He is guilty, put Him to death! Had it not been for the Roman soldiers, Jesus would not have lived to be nailed to the cross of Calvary. He would have been torn in pieces before His judges, had not Roman authority interfered, and by force of arms restrained the violence of the mob.

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Heathen men were angry at the brutal treatment of one against whom nothing had been proved. The Roman officers declared that the Jews in pronouncing condemnation upon Jesus were infringing upon the Roman power, and that it was even against the Jewish law to condemn a man to death upon his own testimony. This intervention brought a momentary lull in the proceedings; but the Jewish leaders were dead alike to pity and to shame.

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Priests and rulers forgot the dignity of their office, and abused the Son of God with foul epithets. They taunted Him with His parentage. They declared that His presumption in proclaiming Himself the Messiah made Him deserving of the most ignominious death. The most dissolute men engaged in infamous abuse of 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?” When the garment was removed, one poor wretch spat in His face.

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The angels of God faithfully recorded every insulting look, word, and act against their beloved Commander. One day the 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.

Christ’s Object Lessons

Chapter 13—Two Worshipers

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It was through self-sufficiency that Peter fell; and it was through repentance and humiliation that his feet were again established. In the record of his experience every repenting sinner may find encouragement. Though Peter had grievously sinned, he was not forsaken. The words of Christ were written upon his soul, “I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not.” Luke 22:32. In his bitter agony of remorse, this prayer, and the memory of Christ’s look of love and pity, gave him hope. Christ after His resurrection remembered Peter, and gave the angel the message for the women, “Go your way, tell His disciples and Peter that He goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see Him.” Mark 16:7. Peter’s repentance was accepted by the sin-pardoning Saviour.

Homeward Bound

Talk About God’s Blessings, April 29

HB 138.1

When you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.—Luke 22:32.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)

Ms 3, 1861

1LtMs, Ms 3, 1861, par. 20

These men express much love to God and to the truth in words, but they are not converted to God. Peter followed Christ when He was upon earth. He manifested much zeal for his Master. He thought himself the most devoted and zealous of Christ’s followers. And when Jesus said to him, “When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren” [Luke 22:32], Peter was offended that his Master should express doubts in regard to his faithfulness. He asserts that although all men should be offended yet he would not; he would even die for his Lord. But he was ignorant of himself, and when he was brought to the test, to endanger his life for his Master, he openly denied Him and protested with cursing and swearing that he knew not the Man. Jesus looked upon Peter and then he remembered the words of his Lord. This boastful confidence was gone; he realized his weakness and then trusted in God for strength, instead of in himself. He was converted and then could strengthen his brethren.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Lt 29, 1886

4LtMs, Lt 29, 1886, par. 12

I want you and your family to be Christians in every sense of the word and you show in your character charity and the sanctifying power of the truth upon your life. Then your works will stand the test of the judgment. For all our works will be tried by fire. But, my brother, your works are not of the right character now. Should the fire of the last day kindle upon them as they now are, they would prove unworthy—hay, wood, stubble. Do not think this severe. It is truth, I know what I am writing about. Self has been mixed and mingled with all your doings. Will you come up to the high standard? It will be like learning the first principles of what constitutes a Christian character. Christ said to the apostle Peter, “When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” [Luke 22:32.] This is the very work you must have done for you before you can do this work. You can, if you will, be a strong man in God. You have talents of ability that God has entrusted to your keeping to be sanctified to His service. But if not, all your ability will prove dangerous to others, leading them to walk apart from truth, apart from Christ.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 5, 1889

6LtMs, Lt 5, 1889, par. 12

Brother Howard Miller, I have written a large letter to you and Brother Madison Miller but have not been able, because I was obliged to attend to so many things that were pressing upon my attention, to complete a copy for you both. I must say to you that as you now are blind spiritually, you are not fitted to be a help to your brethren. “When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” [Luke 22:32.] You will sow the seeds in your labor that you will not be pleased to harvest. Your spirit is not right with God. You feel that you are qualified to do a large work, but this is not right with God. You feel that you are qualified to do a large work, but this is because you do not know yourself. I beseech you to humble your heart before God and be converted. Said Christ, “Without me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] Do not try to help others when you are in darkness yourself and need to see many things in altogether a different light. Pray much; humble yourself before God, for this is your only safety.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 3, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 3, 1892, par. 37

The Lord Jesus said to Peter, “When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren;” and after His resurrection, just before His ascension, He said to His disciple, “Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.” [Luke 22:32; John 21:15.] This was a work in which Peter had but little experience; but he could not be complete in Christian life unless he learned to feed the lambs, those who are young in the faith. It would require great care, much patience and perseverance to give those who were ignorant the suitable teachings, opening up the Scriptures and educating them for usefulness and duty.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 16a, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 16a, 1892, par. 7

As you have advanced from one line of the work to another, temptations have laid wait for you; Satan has desired your souls, that he might sift you as wheat. But Jesus declares, “I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not.” [Luke 22:32.] Be of good courage. Do what you can do well, but do not gather responsibilities upon you which you are not able to bear. Cares and responsibilities will come upon us, but if we keep in mind that Jesus is close by our side, we shall not fear though a host should encamp against us.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 42, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 42, 1893, par. 9

Bro. Henry has many valuable traits of character, but he has lessons to learn more perfectly in the school of Christ. When he has learned them, he will reveal in committee meetings a steadfast purpose, and yet manifest the meekness and love of Christ. When all have learned the meekness of Christ, that spirit of iron that comes into the mind and heart of those presiding will be expelled from the soul, and the precious, pitying love of Christ will have a molding, softening influence upon heart and character. The words of Christ to Peter are applicable to very many. “When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren” [Luke 22:32], not force them into hard places, not drive them on to Satan’s ground.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 14, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 14, 1894, par. 15

See what the Lord said to Peter. Here was Peter, disputing with his Lord. We would not agree with his mind. And so disputers will ever be found. [He was] disputing with [his] Lord when He told the [disciples] that He was going to suffer and be crucified. They did not believe Him and Peter took Him and began to reprove Him. “Be it far from thee.” What did the Lord say? He said, “Get thee behind me, Satan.” [Matthew 16:21-23.] What was Satan doing? He came right up face to face with Peter and between the Lord and Peter so that Peter even took it upon him to reprove the Lord. But the Lord came close to Peter and Satan was put behind Christ. The Lord told Peter that Satan had desired him that he might sift him as wheat, but He says, “I have prayed for thee that thy faith fail not.” [Luke 22:32.] If Peter had learned the lessons he ought to have learned, if he had stood right with God at the time of his trial, he would have stood then. If he had not been indifferent to the lessons Christ taught, he would never have denied his Lord.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 64, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 64, 1897, par. 18

The same message is applicable to your wife. Do you ask what will be your future, what work or trial awaits you? I do not know; but this I know that there is a work for you to do for yourself in the name of Jesus and by His grace. And “when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” [Luke 22:32.] When self and all wickedness of spirit dies, there is a work you may do for the Lord.

Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students

To the Teachers at Berrien Springs:

CT 255.2

“Feed My lambs;” “feed My sheep,” was the commission given to Peter. “And when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” John 21:15, 16; Luke 22:32. To those who hear, the gospel is made the power of God unto salvation. Present the gospel in its simplicity. Follow Christ’s example, and you will have the reward of seeing your students won to Him.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 139, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 139, 1898, par. 5

The Lord said to Peter, “When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” [Luke 22:32.] This is the work that should be done and which must be done before God can use the talent of speech.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 130, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 130, 1898, par. 19

Unless these conditions are complied with, you cannot have rest. Rest is in Christ, and cannot be found as something He gives apart from Himself. The moment the yoke is adjusted to your neck, that moment it is found easy; and the heaviest labor in all spiritual lines can be performed, the heaviest burdens can be borne, because the Lord gives the strength and the power, and He gives gladness in doing the work. Mark the points: “Learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart.” [Matthew 11:29.] Who is it that speaks thus? The Majesty of heaven, the King of glory. He desires that your conceptions of spiritual things shall be purified from the fog of selfishness, the defilement of a crooked, coarse, unsympathetic nature. There must be the inward, higher experience. You must obtain a growth in grace by abiding in Christ. “And when thou art converted, thou wilt not be a hindrance, but thou wilt strengthen thy brethren.” [See Luke 22:32.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 52, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 52, 1899, par. 8

I entreat you to fear lest you lose eternal life because of not knowing God. Christ said to Peter, “When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” [Luke 22:32.] When you are converted, your entire life will testify that a reformation has taken place. A fountain cannot send forth from the same place sweet water and bitter. If you are drinking from the fountain of the water of life, you will love all who believe in Jesus. Christ loves all mankind. Every one of his purchased inheritance is dear to him, and when you have the mind of Christ, you will lose your unholy spirit. Those in your family, in the church, and in the world will see that the fountain of your heart is losing its bitterness, and that the stream that flows from it is pure. Your words will not be sharp, dictatorial, and arbitrary. You will not manifest the characteristics of the Pharisee, for the grace of God will abide in your heart, and you will be renewed in grace and true holiness.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 83, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 83, 1901, par. 14

Come directly home to the needs of the soul. Awaken the mind. Inquire, What is the supreme desire of the soul that is troubled? Does he desire salvation, or will he yield to the deceptive power of Satan who is trying to ensnare him. Will the love of gain grow in his mind into an intensity of desire to secure earthly treasure; or does he estimate the power of the truth, the grace of God as it really is—gold tried in the fire? Is he afraid of displeasing God, or does he allow his worldly friends to divert his mind from heaven? Will he choose good or evil to guide his thoughts and feelings and mold his character? Christ watches the conflict, and He says, “I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not.” “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” [Luke 22:32; John 16:33.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 142, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 142, 1902, par. 20

The Lord calls for young men to work in our sanitariums who will not yield to temptation. You are not fitted for this work. I am instructed to say to you, “When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” [Luke 22:32.] But do not, I beg of you, think that sin is any less grievous in the sight of a holy God because some of our leading brethren have gone astray and turned aside to follow strange paths. The fact that they have sinned does not lessen your sin. You must answer to God for yourself. You were not compelled to sin because other men sinned. You knew that whatever their position, when they sinned, they were robbing themselves of the experience that God desired them to have. You knew that they were bringing to the foundation wood, hay, and stubble—material that must be consumed by fire.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 64, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 64, 1902, par. 11

Brother Shireman should feel thankful that the work he began is growing, and that there is a demand for men of larger talents to carry it to the place the Lord desires it to occupy. Neither Brother nor Sister Shireman can do this. They are not fitted to carry the work forward after it has reached a certain stage of development. They must leave this to others. The Lord desires both of them to see this matter in a right light. Temptation will come to them, but the Lord speaks to them the words He spoke to Peter, “I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not.” [Luke 22:32.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 103, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 103, 1902, par. 8

“Feed my sheep;” “feed my lambs,” was the commission given to Peter. [John 21:15-17.] “And when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” [Luke 22:32.] To those who hear, the gospel is to be made the power of God unto salvation. Present the gospel in its simplicity. Follow Christ’s example, and you will have the precious reward of seeing your students won to Him.

Gospel Workers (1892/1893 ed.)

Courage in the Lord

GW92 439.2

Some are in great peril through self-esteem. If they have a measure of success, Satan suggests to them that they are men of talent; and there are men and women professing godliness who help him in his work by repeating his suggestion. The man who is praised for his ability learns to rely on his own understanding, and does not feel his need of help from above. Selfishness becomes a ruling principle with him, his soul is spotted and marred by self-exaltation, and the weakness of his character is made manifest. The Lord leaves such persons to go on in their self-sufficiency, to work without his grace and special help; and they congratulate themselves that they have his blessing, when they are walking in the sparks of their own kindling. All this labor is a positive injury; for it blocks the way against the efficient labor of devoted men. These persons need humble, pure religion, which is not tainted with self-exaltation. Jesus says to them, as he said to Peter, “When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” [Luke 22:32.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 17, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 17, 1902, par. 9

Ever bear in mind that a Paul plants, an Apollos waters, but God gives the increase. The people need to be educated to understand the Word of God. Help every soul to build on a sure foundation. The Word of God is to be their counsellor. Our ministers, physicians, and evangelists are to understand that they are to be shepherds of the flock of God. “Feed my sheep;” “feed my lambs,” was the word of God to Peter. [John 21:15-17.] “When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” [Luke 22:32.] The instruction the Lord of glory gave to His disciples when He was on this earth is a type and pattern of the instruction His servants are to give to the people who in this our day are seeking for truth. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His last words to His disciples, just before the cloud of angels received Him out of their sight, were, “All power is given unto me in heaven and earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” [Matthew 28:18-20.]

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Great Intercessor, May 6

JNN 137.1

“I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail.”—Luke 22:32

Reflecting Christ

The Essential Qualification for Service, November 27

RC 345.3

It was after Peter had been led to self-renunciation and entire reliance upon divine power, that he received his call to act as an undershepherd. Christ had said to Peter, before his denial of Him, “When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren” (Luke 22:32). These words were significant of the wide and effectual work which this apostle was to do in the future for those who should come to the faith.

The Acts of the Apostles

Chapter 51—A Faithful Under-Shepherd

AA 515.1

It was after Peter had been led to self-renunciation and entire reliance upon divine power, that he received his call to act as an undershepherd. Christ had said to Peter, before his denial of Him, “When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” Luke 22:32. These words were significant of the wide and effectual work which this apostle was to do in the future for those who should come to the faith. For this work, Peter’s own experience of sin and suffering and repentance had prepared him. Not until he had learned his weakness, could he know the believer’s need of dependence on Christ. Amid the storm of temptation he had come to understand that man can walk safely only as in utter self-distrust he relies upon the Saviour.

From Trials to Triumph

Chapter 51—The Apostle Peter, a Faithful Undershepherd

TT 271.2

After Peter had been led to self-renunciation and entire reliance on divine power, he received his call as an undershepherd. Christ’s words to Peter before his denial, “When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren” (Luke 22:32), were significant of the work he was to do for those who should come to the faith. For this work, Peter’s experience of sin and repentance had prepared him. Not until he learned his weakness could he know the believer’s need of dependence on Christ. He had come to understand that man can walk safely only as in utter self-distrust he relies on the Saviour.

From Heaven With Love

Chapter 85—By the Sea Once More

HLv 541.6

Just before Peter’s fall, Jesus had said to him, “I have prayed for thee that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” Luke 22:32. The transformation in Peter was evident. Because of his humiliation and repentance, Peter was better prepared than before to act as shepherd to the flock.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 23, 1890

6LtMs, Lt 23, 1890, par. 10

Oh, how many are being deluded by their own supposed goodness! When Peter said that he would follow Christ to prison and to death [Luke 22:33], he meant it, every word of it; but he was not conscious that slumbering in his soul were elements that circumstances would fan into life, and which would prove his eternal ruin unless he was made conscious of his danger. His compassionate Saviour saw in him a self-love, self-assurance which would overbear even his love of Christ; unless he could be brought to see this he would be lost to the cause of God. This represents your case.

6LtMs, Lt 23, 1890, par. 47

You are now as one belated; the day is far spent, and you have been loitering. You have lost years of precious experience. It is time that you do earnest work for God during the few remaining hours wherein you can work. Do not make your wife first, a plaything as you have done. If you allow her to be a snare to you, a Delilah, you will continue to go farther from God, and your strength will be less and less. Put the Lord God of Israel first; honor Him, do His will at all hazards, magnify His holy name by wholehearted, self-denying, self-sacrificing service. “When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” [Luke 22:32.]

Manuscript Releases, vol. 19 [Nos. 1360-1419]

MR No. 1387—The Lot of God’s People in a World of Sin; Peter’s Denial and Jesus’ Trial; Satan’s Confederacy of Evil Angels and Evil Men

19MR 167.2

The look of dejection on Peter’s face suggested to the woman the thought that this was one of the disciples of Christ. She was one of the servants of Caiaphas’ household, and was curious to know. She said to Peter, “Art thou not also one of this Man’s disciples?” [John 18:17]. Peter was startled and confused; the eyes of the company instantly fastened upon him. He pretended not to understand her, but she was persistent, and said to those around her that this man was with Jesus. Peter felt compelled to answer, and said angrily, “Woman, I know Him not” [Luke 22:57]. This was the first denial, and immediately the cock crew. Oh, Peter! so soon ashamed of thy Master! so soon to cowardly deny thy Lord! The Saviour is dishonored and deserted in His humiliation by one of His most zealous disciples.

19MR 167.3

Peter had confidently asserted, “Though all men should forsake thee, yet will not I.” “I am ready to go with Thee, both into prison and to death” [Luke 22:33]. Where now was the confidence of this self-assured disciple? Where his loyalty to his Master? O Peter, this was the time when thou shouldest have confessed thy Lord, and that without shame and unwillingness! But another opportunity was given him. The palace of the high priest was surrounded by a piazza or open court, into which the soldiers and chief priests and multitude had gathered. And Peter took a place among the multitude. But attention was called to him the second time, and he was again charged with being a follower of Jesus. “This fellow was also with Jesus,” said one [Matthew 26:71]. He now denied the accusation with an oath. The cock crew the second time; but Peter heard it not, for he was now thoroughly intent upon carrying out the character which he had assumed. One of the servants of the high priest, being a near kinsman to the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked him, “Did I not see thee in the garden with Him?” [John 18:26]. “Surely thou art one of them: for thou art a Galilean, and thy speech agreeth thereto” [Mark 14:70].

19MR 168.3

“And the men that held Jesus mocked Him, and smote Him. And when they had blindfolded Him, they struck Him on the face, and asked Him saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee? And many other things blasphemously spake they against Him” [Luke 22:63-65].

19MR 170.1

“And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and led Him into their council, saying, Art thou the Christ? tell us. And He said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe: And if I also ask you, ye will not answer Me, nor let Me go. Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God. Then said they all, Art Thou then the Son of God? And He said unto them, Ye say that I am. And they said, What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of His own mouth” [Luke 22:66-71].

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 104, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 104, 1897, par. 19

He pretended not to understand her, but she was persistent, and said to those around her that this man was with Jesus. Peter felt compelled to answer, and said angrily, “Woman, I know him not.” [Luke 22:57.] This was the first denial, and immediately the cock crew. O Peter! so soon ashamed of thy Master! so soon to cowardly deny thy Lord! The Saviour is dishonored and deserted in His humiliation by one of His most zealous disciples.

12LtMs, Ms 104, 1897, par. 20

Peter had confidently asserted, “Though all men should forsake thee, yet will not I.” “I will go with thee to prison and to death.” [Mark 14:29; Luke 22:33.] Where now was the confidence of this self-assured disciple? Where his loyalty to his Master? O Peter, this was the time when thou shouldest have confessed thy Lord, and that without shame and unwillingness! But another opportunity was given him. The palace of the high priest was surrounded by a piazza or open court, into which the soldiers and chief priests and multitude had gathered. And Peter took a place among the multitude. But attention was called to him the second time, and he was again charged with being a follower of Jesus. “This fellow was also with Jesus,” said one. [Matthew 26:71.] He now denied the accusation with an oath. The cock crew the second time; but Peter heard it not, for he was now thoroughly intent upon carrying out the character which he had assumed. One of the servants of the high priest, being a near kinsman to the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked him, “Did I not see thee in the garden with him?” “Surely thou art one of them; for thou art a Galilean, and thy speech agreeth thereto.” [John 18:26; Mark 14:70.]

12LtMs, Ms 104, 1897, par. 23

“And the men that held Jesus mocked him and smote him. And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee? And many other things blasphemously spake they against him.” [Luke 22:63-65.]

12LtMs, Ms 104, 1897, par. 26

“And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people, and the chief priest and the scribes came together, and led him unto their council, saying, Art thou the Christ? tell us. And he said unto them, If I tell you, you will not believe: And if I also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go. Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man on the right hand of the power of God. Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Ye say that I am. And they said, What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of his own mouth.” Luke 22:66-71.

A Call To Stand Apart

Chapter 5—When Doing Everything Right Isn’t Enough

CSA 16.3

So it was with the disciples previously called. When Jesus bade Peter and his companions follow Him, immediately they left their boats and nets. Some of these disciples had friends dependent on them for support; but when they received the Saviour’s invitation, they did not hesitate, and inquire, How shall I live, and sustain my family? They were obedient to the call; and when afterward Jesus asked them, “When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye anything?” they could answer, “Nothing.” Luke 22:35....

Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)

Consecration

GW 113.3

So it was with the disciples previously called. When Jesus bade Peter and his companions follow Him, they immediately left their boats and nets. Some of these disciples had friends dependent on them for support; but when they received the Saviour’s invitation, they did not hesitate, inquiring, How shall I live, and sustain my family? They were obedient to the call; and when afterward Jesus asked them, “What I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye anything?” they could answer, “Nothing.” [Luke 22:35.]

Help In Daily Living

Wages

HDL 20.1

So it was with the disciples previously called. When Jesus bade Peter and his companions follow Him, immediately they left their boats and nets. Some of these disciples had friends dependent on them for support; but when they received the Saviour’s invitation they did not hesitate and inquire, “How shall I live and sustain my family?” They were obedient to the call; and when afterward Jesus asked them, “When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye anything?” they could answer, “Nothing.” Luke 22:35.

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 28—Levi-Matthew

DA 273.3

So it was with the disciples previously called. When Jesus bade Peter and his companions follow Him, immediately they left their boats and nets. Some of these disciples had friends dependent on them for support; but when they received the Saviour’s invitation, they did not hesitate, and inquire, How shall I live, and sustain my family? They were obedient to the call; and when afterward Jesus asked them, “When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye anything?” they could answer, “Nothing.” Luke 22:35.

The Ministry of Healing

Wages

MH 480.1

So it was with the disciples previously called. When Jesus bade Peter and his companions follow Him, immediately they left their boats and nets. Some of these disciples had friends dependent on them for support; but when they received the Saviour’s invitation they did not hesitate and inquire, “How shall I live and sustain my family?” They were obedient to the call; and when afterward Jesus asked them, “When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye anything?” they could answer, “Nothing.” Luke 22:35.

From Heaven With Love

Chapter 28—Matthew: From Tax Collector to Apostle

HLv 177.5

So it was when Jesus bade Peter and his companions follow Him. Immediately they left their boats and nets. Some had friends dependent on them for support, but when they received the Saviour’s invitation, they did not inquire, How shall I live, and sustain my family? When afterward Jesus asked them, “When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye anything?” they could answer, “Nothing.” Luke 22:35.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 67, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 67, 1894, par. 25

When Christ is by the side of His tried and tempted ones, there can be no such a thing as failure, loss, impossibility, or defeat, for we can do all things through Him who strengtheneth us. We must know the truth which is revealed in Christ in all its completeness. It is perilous to turn from the truth because you cannot discern how you are to make a success of your business and obtain a livelihood. Jesus lives, and because He lives, we shall live also. He said to the fishermen, “Leave your nets, and come and follow me.” He said to Matthew sitting at the receipt of custom, “Follow me.” [Matthew 4:19; 9:9.] Did those who were invited by Christ to follow Him hesitate? Did they tarry, and with trembling faith inquire, “How shall I live, and support my family?” They were obedient to the call, and after they had followed the directions of Christ, He inquired, “When I sent you out without purse or script, lacked ye anything?” They answered, “Nothing Lord.” [Luke 22:35.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 314, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 314, 1907, par. 10

When the disciples returned from their first missionary tour, the Saviour asked them, “Lacked ye anything?” And the answer was given, “Nay, Lord.” [Luke 22:35.] The same power that supplied the needs of the first disciples will provide for the necessities of those who today go forth to labor earnestly to give the last gospel message to the world. O why do men and women feel so little burden to take up the work that needs to be done? Angels of God are waiting to go forth with them in this work.

A Call To Stand Apart

Chapter 9—Preparing to Die

CSA 31.1

And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him. And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation. And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. Luke 22:39-42.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 42, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 42, 1897, par. 1

“And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.” “And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane; and he saith to his disciples, sit ye here, while I shall pray. And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy; and he saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch. And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed, that, if it were possible, the cup might pass from him.” [Luke 22:39; Mark 14:32-35.]

12LtMs, Ms 42, 1897, par. 3

Christ expressed His desire for human sympathy, and then withdrawing Himself from them about a stone’s cast, He fell on His face and prayed, saying, “Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me; nevertheless not my will, but thine be done.” [Luke 22:41, 42.] Then rising from the cold ground, He staggers to the place where He left His three disciples. “And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping and said unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour? Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.” [Mark 14:37, 38.] Even in His great agony He is willing to excuse the weakness of His disciples. “The spirit truly is ready,” He said, “but the flesh is weak.”

12LtMs, Ms 42, 1897, par. 5

“And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words: “Father all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what thou wilt.” [Matthew 26:42-44; Mark 14:36.] “And being in an agony, he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” [Luke 22:44.]

12LtMs, Ms 42, 1897, par. 6

Hear that agonizing prayer of Christ in the garden of Gethsemane! While the disciples were sleeping beneath the spreading branches of the olive trees, the Son of man—a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief—was prostrate upon the cold earth. As the agony of soul came upon Him, large blood drops of perspiration were forced from His pores, and with the falling dew moistened the sod of Gethsemane; and from the pale and quivering lips came the words, “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless not my will, but thine be done.” [Matthew 26:39; Luke 22:42.]

12LtMs, Ms 42, 1897, par. 9

The Majesty of heaven was as one bewildered with agony. No human being could endure such suffering; but Christ had contemplated this struggle. He had said to His disciples, “I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how am I straitened till it be accomplished.” “Now is the hour, and the power of darkness.” [Luke 12:50; 22:53.]

12LtMs, Ms 42, 1897, par. 20

But now they are asleep. Had the disciples heeded the words of their suffering Master, “Pray ye that ye enter not into temptation” [Luke 22:40], they would never have allowed sleep to stupefy and confuse their senses. They would have been partakers with Him in His suffering.

12LtMs, Ms 42, 1897, par. 23

And now they hear the heavy tramp of soldiers in the garden, “Behold,” said Christ, “the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise up; let us go; lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand. And immediately, while he yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely.” He believed that Christ would escape and not permit Himself to be taken. “And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master; Master; and kissed him.” [Mark 14:41-45.] “But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?” [Luke 22:48.]

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 74—Gethsemane

DA 685.1

In company with His disciples, the Saviour slowly made His way to the garden of Gethsemane. The Passover moon, broad and full, shone from a cloudless sky. The city of pilgrims’ tents was hushed into silence.

DA 685.2

Jesus had been earnestly conversing with His disciples and instructing them; but as He neared Gethsemane, He became strangely silent. He had often visited this spot for meditation and prayer; but never with a heart so full of sorrow as upon this night of His last agony. Throughout His life on earth He had walked in the light of God’s presence. When in conflict with men who were inspired by the very spirit of Satan, He could say, “He that sent Me is with Me: the Father hath not left Me alone; for I do always those things that please Him.” John 8:29. But now He seemed to be shut out from the light of God’s sustaining presence. Now He was numbered with the transgressors. The guilt of fallen humanity He must bear. Upon Him who knew no sin must be laid the iniquity of us all. So dreadful does sin appear to Him, so great is the weight of guilt which He must bear, that He is tempted to fear it will shut Him out forever from His Father’s love. Feeling how terrible is the wrath of God against transgression, He exclaims, “My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death.”

DA 685.3

As they approached the garden, the disciples had marked the change that came over their Master. Never before had they seen Him so utterly sad and silent. As He proceeded, this strange sadness deepened; yet they dared not question Him as to the cause. His form swayed as if He were about to fall. Upon reaching the garden, the disciples looked anxiously for His usual place of retirement, that their Master might rest. Every step that He now took was with labored effort. He groaned aloud, as if suffering under the pressure of a terrible burden. Twice His companions supported Him, or He would have fallen to the earth.

DA 686.1

Near the entrance to the garden, Jesus left all but three of the disciples, bidding them pray for themselves and for Him. With Peter, James, and John, He entered its secluded recesses. These three disciples were Christ’s closest companions. They had beheld His glory on the mount of transfiguration; they had seen Moses and Elijah talking with Him; they had heard the voice from heaven; now in His great struggle, Christ desired their presence near Him. Often they had passed the night with Him in this retreat. On these occasions, after a season of watching and prayer, they would sleep undisturbed at a little distance from their Master, until He awoke them in the morning to go forth anew to labor. But now He desired them to spend the night with Him in prayer. Yet He could not bear that even they should witness the agony He was to endure.

DA 686.2

“Tarry ye here,” He said, “and watch with Me.”

DA 686.3

He went a little distance from them—not so far but that they could both see and hear Him—and fell prostrate upon the ground. He felt that by sin He was being separated from His Father. The gulf was so broad, so black, so deep, that His spirit shuddered before it. This agony He must not exert His divine power to escape. As man He must suffer the consequences of man’s sin. As man He must endure the wrath of God against transgression.

DA 686.4

Christ was now standing in a different attitude from that in which He had ever stood before. His suffering can best be described in the words of the prophet, “Awake, O sword, against My shepherd, and against the man that is My fellow, saith the Lord of hosts.” Zechariah 13:7. As the substitute and surety for sinful man, Christ was suffering under divine justice. He saw what justice meant. Hitherto He had been as an intercessor for others; now He longed to have an intercessor for Himself.

DA 686.5

As Christ felt His unity with the Father broken up, He feared that in His human nature He would be unable to endure the coming conflict with the powers of darkness. In the wilderness of temptation the destiny of the human race had been at stake. Christ was then conqueror. Now the tempter had come for the last fearful struggle. For this he had been preparing during the three years of Christ’s ministry. Everything was at stake with him. If he failed here, his hope of mastery was lost; the kingdoms of the world would finally become Christ’s; he himself would be overthrown and cast out. But if Christ could be overcome, the earth would become Satan’s kingdom, and the human race would be forever in his power. With the issues of the conflict before Him, Christ’s soul was filled with dread of separation from God. Satan told Him that if He became the surety for a sinful world, the separation would be eternal. He would be identified with Satan’s kingdom, and would nevermore be one with God.

DA 687.1

And what was to be gained by this sacrifice? How hopeless appeared the guilt and ingratitude of men! In its hardest features Satan pressed the situation upon the Redeemer: The people who claim to be above all others in temporal and spiritual advantages have rejected You. They are seeking to destroy You, the foundation, the center and seal of the promises made to them as a peculiar people. One of Your own disciples, who has listened to Your instruction, and has been among the foremost in church activities, will betray You. One of Your most zealous followers will deny You. All will forsake You. Christ’s whole being abhorred the thought. That those whom He had undertaken to save, those whom He loved so much, should unite in the plots of Satan, this pierced His soul. The conflict was terrible. Its measure was the guilt of His nation, of His accusers and betrayer, the guilt of a world lying in wickedness. The sins of men weighed heavily upon Christ, and the sense of God’s wrath against sin was crushing out His life.

DA 687.2

Behold Him contemplating the price to be paid for the human soul. In His agony He clings to the cold ground, as if to prevent Himself from being drawn farther from God. The chilling dew of night falls upon His prostrate form, but He heeds it not. From His pale lips comes the bitter cry, “O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me.” Yet even now He adds, “Nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt.”

DA 687.3

The human heart longs for sympathy in suffering. This longing Christ felt to the very depths of His being. In the supreme agony of His soul He came to His disciples with a yearning desire to hear some words of comfort from those whom He had so often blessed and comforted, and shielded in sorrow and distress. The One who had always had words of sympathy for them was now suffering superhuman agony, and He longed to know that they were praying for Him and for themselves. How dark seemed the malignity of sin! Terrible was the temptation to let the human race bear the consequences of its own guilt, while He stood innocent before God. If He could only know that His disciples understood and appreciated this, He would be strengthened.

DA 688.1

Rising with painful effort, He staggered to the place where He had left His companions. But He “findeth them asleep.” Had He found them praying, He would have been relieved. Had they been seeking refuge in God, that satanic agencies might not prevail over them, He would have been comforted by their steadfast faith. But they had not heeded the repeated warning, “Watch and pray.” At first they had been much troubled to see their Master, usually so calm and dignified, wrestling with a sorrow that was beyond comprehension. They had prayed as they heard the strong cries of the sufferer. They did not intend to forsake their Lord, but they seemed paralyzed by a stupor which they might have shaken off if they had continued pleading with God. They did not realize the necessity of watchfulness and earnest prayer in order to withstand temptation.

DA 688.2

Just before He bent His footsteps to the garden, Jesus had said to the disciples, “All ye shall be offended because of Me this night.” They had given Him the strongest assurance that they would go with Him to prison and to death. And poor, self-sufficient Peter had added, “Although all shall be offended, yet will not I.” Mark 14:27, 29. But the disciples trusted to themselves. They did not look to the mighty Helper as Christ had counseled them to do. Thus when the Saviour was most in need of their sympathy and prayers, they were found asleep. Even Peter was sleeping.

DA 689.1

And John, the loving disciple who had leaned upon the breast of Jesus, was asleep. Surely, the love of John for his Master should have kept him awake. His earnest prayers should have mingled with those of his loved Saviour in the time of His supreme sorrow. The Redeemer had spent entire nights praying for His disciples, that their faith might not fail. Should Jesus now put to James and John the question He had once asked them, “Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” they would not have ventured to answer, “We are able.” Matthew 20:22.

DA 689.2

The disciples awakened at the voice of Jesus, but they hardly knew Him, His face was so changed by anguish. Addressing Peter, Jesus said, “Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour? Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.” The weakness of His disciples awakened the sympathy of Jesus. He feared that they would not be able to endure the test which would come upon them in His betrayal and death. He did not reprove them, but said, “Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.” Even in His great agony, He was seeking to excuse their weakness. “The spirit truly is ready,” He said, “but the flesh is weak.”

DA 689.3

Again the Son of God was seized with superhuman agony, and fainting and exhausted, He staggered back to the place of His former struggle. His suffering was even greater than before. As the agony of soul came upon Him, “His sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” The cypress and palm trees were the silent witnesses of His anguish. From their leafy branches dropped heavy dew upon His stricken form, as if nature wept over its Author wrestling alone with the powers of darkness.

DA 689.4

A short time before, Jesus had stood like a mighty cedar, withstanding the storm of opposition that spent its fury upon Him. Stubborn wills, and hearts filled with malice and subtlety, had striven in vain to confuse and overpower Him. He stood forth in divine majesty as the Son of God. Now He was like a reed beaten and bent by the angry storm. He had approached the consummation of His work a conqueror, having at each step gained the victory over the powers of darkness. As one already glorified, He had claimed oneness with God. In unfaltering accents He had poured out His songs of praise. He had spoken to His disciples in words of courage and tenderness. Now had come the hour of the power of darkness. Now His voice was heard on the still evening air, not in tones of triumph, but full of human anguish. The words of the Saviour were borne to the ears of the drowsy disciples, “O My Father, if this cup may not pass away from Me, except I drink it, Thy will be done.”

DA 690.1

The first impulse of the disciples was to go to Him; but He had bidden them tarry there, watching unto prayer. When Jesus came to them, He found them still sleeping. Again He had felt a longing for companionship, for some words from His disciples which would bring relief, and break the spell of darkness that well-nigh overpowered Him. But their eyes were heavy; “neither wist they what to answer Him.” His presence aroused them. They saw His face marked with the bloody sweat of agony, and they were filled with fear. His anguish of mind they could not understand. “His visage was so marred more than any man, and His form more than the sons of men.” Isaiah 52:14.

DA 690.2

Turning away, Jesus sought again His retreat, and fell prostrate, overcome by the horror of a great darkness. The humanity of the Son of God trembled in that trying hour. He prayed not now for His disciples that their faith might not fail, but for His own tempted, agonized soul. The awful moment had come—that moment which was to decide the destiny of the world. The fate of humanity trembled in the balance. Christ might even now refuse to drink the cup apportioned to guilty man. It was not yet too late. He might wipe the bloody sweat from His brow, and leave man to perish in his iniquity. He might say, Let the transgressor receive the penalty of his sin, and I will go back to My Father. Will the Son of God drink the bitter cup of humiliation and agony? Will the innocent suffer the consequences of the curse of sin, to save the guilty? The words fall tremblingly from the pale lips of Jesus, “O My Father, if this cup may not pass away from Me, except I drink it, Thy will be done.”

DA 690.3

Three times has He uttered that prayer. Three times has humanity shrunk from the last, crowning sacrifice. But now the history of the human race comes up before the world’s Redeemer. He sees that the transgressors of the law, if left to themselves, must perish. He sees the helplessness of man. He sees the power of sin. The woes and lamentations of a doomed world rise before Him. He beholds its impending fate, and His decision is made. He will save man at any cost to Himself. He accepts His baptism of blood, that through Him perishing millions may gain everlasting life. He has left the courts of heaven, where all is purity, happiness, and glory, to save the one lost sheep, the one world that has fallen by transgression. And He will not turn from His mission. He will become the propitiation of a race that has willed to sin. His prayer now breathes only submission: “If this cup may not pass away from Me, except I drink it, Thy will be done.”

DA 693.1

Having made the decision, He fell dying to the ground from which He had partially risen. Where now were His disciples, to place their hands tenderly beneath the head of their fainting Master, and bathe that brow, marred indeed more than the sons of men? The Saviour trod the wine press alone, and of the people there was none with Him.

DA 693.2

But God suffered with His Son. Angels beheld the Saviour’s agony. They saw their Lord enclosed by legions of satanic forces, His nature weighed down with a shuddering, mysterious dread. There was silence in heaven. No harp was touched. Could mortals have viewed the amazement of the angelic host as in silent grief they watched the Father separating His beams of light, love, and glory from His beloved Son, they would better understand how offensive in His sight is sin.

DA 693.3

The worlds unfallen and the heavenly angels had watched with intense interest as the conflict drew to its close. Satan and his confederacy of evil, the legions of apostasy, watched intently this great crisis in the work of redemption. The powers of good and evil waited to see what answer would come to Christ’s thrice-repeated prayer. Angels had longed to bring relief to the divine sufferer, but this might not be. No way of escape was found for the Son of God. In this awful crisis, when everything was at stake, when the mysterious cup trembled in the hand of the sufferer, the heavens opened, a light shone forth amid the stormy darkness of the crisis hour, and the mighty angel who stands in God’s presence, occupying the position from which Satan fell, came to the side of Christ. The angel came not to take the cup from Christ’s hand, but to strengthen Him to drink it, with the assurance of the Father’s love. He came to give power to the divine-human suppliant. He pointed Him to the open heavens, telling Him of the souls that would be saved as the result of His sufferings. He assured Him that His Father is greater and more powerful than Satan, that His death would result in the utter discomfiture 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 of the travail of His soul, and be satisfied, for He would see a multitude of the human race saved, eternally saved.

DA 694.1

Christ’s agony did not cease, but His depression and discouragement left Him. The storm had in nowise abated, but He who was its object was strengthened to meet its fury. He came forth calm and serene. A heavenly peace rested upon 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.

DA 694.2

The sleeping disciples had been suddenly awakened by the light surrounding the Saviour. They saw the angel bending over their prostrate Master. They saw him lift the Saviour’s head upon his bosom, and point toward heaven. They heard his voice, like sweetest music, speaking words of comfort and hope. The disciples recalled the scene upon the mount of transfiguration. They remembered the glory that in the temple had encircled Jesus, and the voice of God that spoke from the cloud. Now that same glory was again revealed, and they had no further fear for their Master. He was under the care of God; a mighty angel had been sent to protect Him. Again the disciples in their weariness yield to the strange stupor that overpowers them. Again Jesus finds them sleeping.

DA 694.3

Looking sorrowfully upon them He says, “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.”

DA 694.4

Even as He spoke these words, 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.”

DA 694.5

No traces of His recent agony were visible as Jesus stepped forth to meet His betrayer. Standing in advance of His disciples He said, “Whom seek ye?” They answered, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus replied, “I am He.” As these words were spoken, the angel who had lately ministered to Jesus moved between Him and the mob. A divine light illuminated the Saviour’s face, and a dovelike form overshadowed Him. In the presence of this divine glory, the murderous throng could not stand for a moment. They staggered back. Priests, elders, soldiers, and even Judas, fell as dead men to the ground.

DA 694.6

The angel withdrew, and the light faded away. Jesus had opportunity to escape, but He remained, calm and self-possessed. As one glorified He stood in the midst of that hardened band, now prostrate and helpless at His feet. The disciples looked on, silent with wonder and awe.

DA 695.1

But quickly the scene changed. The mob started up. The Roman soldiers, the priests and Judas, gathered about Christ. They seemed ashamed of their weakness, and fearful that He would yet escape. Again the question was asked by the Redeemer, “Whom seek ye?” 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. He knew how weak was their faith, and He sought to shield them from temptation and trial. For them He was ready to sacrifice Himself.

DA 695.2

Judas the betrayer did not forget the part he was to act. When the mob entered the garden, he had led the way, closely followed by the high priest. To the pursuers of Jesus he had given a sign, saying, “Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is He: hold Him fast.” Matthew 26:48. Now he pretends to have no part with them. Coming close to Jesus, he takes His hand as a familiar friend. With the words, “Hail, Master,” he kisses Him repeatedly, and appears to weep as if in sympathy with Him in His peril.

DA 696.1

Jesus said to him, “Friend, wherefore art thou come?” His voice trembled with sorrow as He added, “Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?” This appeal should have aroused the conscience of the betrayer, and touched his stubborn heart; but honor, fidelity, and human tenderness had forsaken him. He stood bold and defiant, showing no disposition to relent. He had given himself up to Satan, and he had no power to resist him. Jesus did not refuse the traitor’s kiss.

DA 696.2

The mob grew bold as they saw Judas touch the person of Him who had so recently been glorified before their eyes. They now laid hold of Jesus, and proceeded to bind those precious hands that had ever been employed in doing good.

DA 696.3

The disciples had thought that their Master would not suffer Himself to be taken. For the same power that had caused the mob to fall as dead men could keep them helpless, until Jesus and His companions should escape. They were disappointed and indignant as they saw the cords brought forward to bind the hands of Him whom they loved. Peter in his anger rashly drew his sword and tried to defend his Master, but he only cut off an ear of the high priest’s servant. When Jesus saw what was done, He released His hands, though held firmly by the Roman soldiers, and saying, “Suffer ye thus far,” He touched the wounded ear, and it was instantly made whole. He then said to Peter, “Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He shall presently give Me more than twelve legions of angels?”—a legion in place of each one of the disciples. Oh, why, the disciples thought, does He not save Himself and us? Answering their unspoken thought, He added, “But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?” “The cup which My Father hath given Me, shall I not drink it?”

DA 696.4

The official dignity of the Jewish leaders had not prevented them from joining in the pursuit of Jesus. His arrest was too important a matter to be trusted to subordinates; the wily priests and elders had joined the temple police and the rabble in following Judas to Gethsemane. What a company for those dignitaries to unite with—a mob that was eager for excitement, and armed with all kinds of implements, as if in pursuit of a wild beast!

DA 697.1

Turning to the priests and elders, Christ fixed upon them His searching glance. The words He spoke they would never forget as long as life should last. They were as the sharp arrows of the Almighty. With dignity He said: You come out against Me with swords and staves as you would against a thief or a robber. Day by day I sat teaching in the temple. You had every opportunity of laying hands upon Me, and you did nothing. The night is better suited to your work. “This is your hour, and the power of darkness.”

DA 697.2

The disciples were terrified as they saw Jesus permit Himself to be taken and bound. They were offended that He should suffer this humiliation to Himself and them. They could not understand His conduct, and they blamed Him for submitting to the mob. In their indignation and fear, Peter proposed that they save themselves. Following this suggestion, “they all forsook Him, and fled.” But Christ had foretold this desertion, “Behold,” He had said, “the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave Me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me.” John 16:32.

From Heaven With Love

Chapter 74—The Awesome Struggle in Gethsemane

HLv 457.1

With His disciples the Saviour made His way to the garden of Gethsemane. The Passover moon shone from a cloudless sky. As He neared Gethsemane, He became strangely silent. Throughout His life on earth He had walked in the light of God’s presence. But now He was numbered with the transgressors. The guilt of fallen humanity He must bear. So great was its weight that He was tempted to fear it would shut Him out forever from His Father’s love. He exclaimed, “My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death.”

HLv 457.2

Never before had the disciples seen their Master so utterly sad. His form swayed as if He were about to fall. On reaching the garden, the disciples looked anxiously for His usual place of retirement, that their Master might rest. Twice His companions supported Him, or He would have fallen.

HLv 457.3

Near the entrance, Jesus left all but three of the disciples, bidding them pray for themselves and for Him. With Peter, James, and John, He entered its secluded recesses. In His great struggle, Christ desired their presence near Him. Often they had passed the night with Him in this retreat. After a season of prayer, they would sleep undisturbed until He awoke them in the morning to go forth anew to labor. Now He desired them to spend the night with Him in prayer, yet could not bear that even they should witness the agony He was to endure.

HLv 457.4

“Tarry ye here,” Jesus said, “and watch with Me.” He went a little distance—not so far but that they could both see and hear Him—and fell prostrate on the ground. He felt that by sin He was being separated from His Father. The gulf was so broad, so black, so deep, that His spirit shuddered before it. This agony He must not exert His divine power to escape. As man He must suffer the consequences of man’s sin. As man He must endure the wrath of God against transgression.

HLv 458.1

Christ was now standing in a different attitude from that in which He had ever stood before. As the substitute for man, Christ was suffering under divine justice. Hitherto He had been an intercessor for others; now He longed to have an intercessor for Himself.

HLv 458.2

As Christ felt His unity with the Father broken up, He feared that in His human nature He would be unable to endure the conflict. The tempter had come for the last fearful struggle; if he failed here, the kingdom of the world would finally become Christ’s and he himself would be overthrown. But if Christ could be overcome, the earth would become Satan’s kingdom, and the human race would be forever in his power.

HLv 458.3

Satan told Christ that if He became the surety for a sinful world, He would be identified with Satan’s kingdom and nevermore be one with God. And what was to be gained by this sacrifice? Satan pressed the situation on the Redeemer: The people who claim to be above all others in spiritual advantages are seeking to destroy You. One of Your own disciples will betray You. One of Your most zealous followers will deny You. All will forsake You. That those whom He loved so much should unite in the plots of Satan, pierced Christ’s soul. The conflict was terrible. The sins of men weighed heavily on Christ, and the sense of God’s wrath against sin was crushing out His life.

HLv 458.4

In His agony He clung to the cold ground, as if to prevent Himself from being drawn farther from God. From His pale lips came the bitter cry, “O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me.” Yet even now He added, “Nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt.”

HLv 459.1

The human heart longs for sympathy in suffering. This longing Christ felt to the very depths of His being. He came to His disciples yearning to hear some words of comfort. He longed to know that they were praying for Him and for themselves. How dark seemed the malignity of sin! Terrible was the temptation to let the human race bear its own guilt, while He stood innocent before God. If He could only know that His disciples appreciated this, He would be strengthened.

HLv 459.2

But He “findeth them asleep.” Had He found them seeking refuge in God, that satanic agencies might not prevail over them, He would have been comforted. But they had not heeded the warning, “Watch and pray.” They had not intended to forsake their Lord, but they seemed paralyzed by a stupor which they might have shaken off if they had continued pleading with God. When the Saviour was most in need of their prayers, they were asleep.

HLv 459.3

The disciples awakened at the voice of Jesus, but they hardly knew Him, His face was so changed by anguish. Addressing Peter, Jesus said, “Simon, sleepest thou? couldest thou not watch one hour? Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.” Jesus feared they would not be able to endure the test of His betrayal and death.

HLv 459.4

Again the Son of God was seized with superhuman agony, and fainting and exhausted, He staggered back to the place of His former struggle. His suffering was even greater than before. “His sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” The cypress and palm trees were the silent witnesses of His anguish. From their leafy branches dropped heavy dew on His stricken form, as if nature wept over its Author wrestling alone with the powers of darkness.

HLv 460.1

A short time before, Jesus had stood like a mighty cedar, withstanding the storm of opposition that spent its fury on Him. Now He was like a reed beaten and bent by the angry storm. As one already glorified, He had claimed oneness with God. Now His voice was heard on the still evening air, full of human anguish, “O My Father, if this cup may not pass away from Me, except I drink it, Thy will be done.”

HLv 460.2

Again Jesus felt a longing for some words from His disciples which would break the spell of darkness that well-nigh overpowered Him. But their eyes were heavy; “neither wist they what to answer Him.” They saw His face marked with the bloody sweat of agony, but His anguish of mind they could not understand. “His visage was so marred more than any man, and His form more than the sons of men.” Isaiah 52:14.

HLv 460.3

Turning away, Jesus sought again His retreat, and fell prostrate. The humanity of the Son of God trembled in that trying hour. The awful moment to decide the destiny of the world had come. The fate of humanity trembled in the balance. Christ might even now refuse to drink the cup apportioned to guilty man. He might wipe the bloody sweat from His brow and leave man to perish in his iniquity. He might say, Let the transgressor receive the penalty of his sin, and I will go back to My Father. Will the innocent suffer the consequences of the curse of sin, to save the guilty? “O My Father, if this cup may not pass away from Me, except I drink it, Thy will be done.”

HLv 460.4

Three times has He shrunk from the last, crowning sacrifice. But now He sees that the human race is helpless. He sees the power of sin. The woes of a doomed world rise before Him. He beholds its impending fate, and His decision is made. He will save man at any cost to Himself. He has left the courts of heaven to save the one world that has fallen by transgression. And He will not turn from His mission.

HLv 461.1

Having made the decision, He fell dying to the ground. Where now were His disciples, to place their hands beneath the head of their fainting Master? The Saviour trod the winepress alone, and of the people there was none with Him. See Isaiah 63:3.

HLv 461.2

But God suffered with His Son. Angels beheld the Saviour’s agony. There was silence in heaven. No harp was touched. The angelic host in silent grief watched the Father separating His beams of light, love, and glory from His beloved Son.

HLv 461.3

Satan and his confederacy of evil watched intently. What answer would come to Christ’s thrice-repeated prayer? In this awful crisis, when the mysterious cup trembled in the hand of the sufferer, the mighty angel who stands in God’s presence came to the side of Christ. The angel came not to take the cup from Christ’s hand, but to strengthen Him with the assurance of His Father’s love. He assured Him that His death would result in the utter discomfiture 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 multitude of the human race saved, eternally saved.

HLv 461.4

Christ’s agony did not cease, but His depression and discouragement 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.

HLv 461.5

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.

HLv 462.1

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.”

HLv 462.2

No traces of His recent agony were visible as Jesus stepped forth to meet His betrayer. “Whom seek ye?”

HLv 462.3

They answered, “Jesus of Nazareth.”

HLv 462.4

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.

HLv 462.5

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

HLv 462.6

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.

HLv 462.7

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 kiss, that same is He: hold Him fast.” Now, coming close to Jesus, he took His hand as a familiar friend. With the words, “Hail, Master,” he kissed Him repeatedly, and appeared to weep as if in sympathy with Him in His peril.

HLv 462.8

Jesus said, “Friend, wherefore art thou come?” His voice trembling with sorrow, He added, “Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?” This appeal should have aroused the conscience of the betrayer, but honor and human tenderness had forsaken him. He had given himself up to Satan and had no power to resist him. Jesus did not refuse the traitor’s kiss.

HLv 463.1

The mob now laid hold of Jesus, and proceeded to bind those hands that had ever been employed in doing good.

HLv 463.2

The disciples were disappointed and indignant as they saw the cords brought forward to bind the hands of Him whom they loved. Peter in anger drew his sword and cut off an ear of the high priest’s servant. When Jesus saw what was done, He released His hands, though held firmly by the Roman soldiers, and saying, “Suffer ye thus far,” He touched the wounded ear, and it was instantly made whole.

HLv 463.3

He then said to Peter, “Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He shall presently give Me 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, “But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?” “The cup which My Father hath given Me, shall I not drink it?”

HLv 463.4

The wily 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!

HLv 463.5

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

HLv 463.6

The disciples were terrified as they saw Jesus permit Himself to be taken and bound. They were offended that He should suffer 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.”

Counsels for the Church

God’s Interest in Little Things

CCh 294.3

Both in public and in private worship, it is our privilege to bow on our knees before the Lord when we offer our petitions to Him. Jesus, our example, “kneeled down, and prayed.” Luke 22:41. Of His disciples it is recorded that they, too, “kneeled down, and prayed.” Acts 9:40; 20:36; 21:5. Paul declared, “I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 3:14. In confessing before God the sins of Israel, Ezra knelt. Ezra 9:5. Daniel “kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God.” Daniel 6:10.543Gospel Workers, 178

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 84b, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 84b, 1897, par. 2

“And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed.” Luke 22:41.

Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)

Our Attitude in Prayer

GW 178.2

Both in public and in private worship, it is our privilege to bow on our knees before the Lord when we offer our petitions to Him. Jesus, our example, “kneeled down, and prayed.” [Luke 22:41.] Of His disciples it is recorded that they, too, “kneeled down, and prayed.” [Acts 9:40; 20:36; 21:5.] Paul declared, “I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” [Ephesians 3:14.] In confessing before God the sins of Israel, Ezra knelt. [See Ezra 9:5.] Daniel “kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God.” [Daniel 6:10.]

Manuscript Releases, vol. 21 [Nos. 1501-1598]

MR No. 1510—The Proper Attitude in Prayer

21MR 59.1

I have received letters questioning me in regard to the proper attitude to be taken by a person offering prayer to the Sovereign of the universe. Where have our brethren obtained the idea that they should stand upon their feet when praying to God? One who has been educated for about five years in Battle Creek was asked to lead in prayer before Sister White should speak to the people. But as I beheld him standing upright upon his feet while his lips were about to open in prayer to God, my soul was stirred within me to give him an open rebuke. Calling him by name, I said, “Get down upon your knees.” This is the proper position always. [Luke 22:41; Acts 9:40; 7:59, 60; 20:36; 21:5; Ezra 9:5, 6; Psalm 95:6; Ephesians 3:14, quoted.] And this whole chapter will, if the heart is receptive, be as precious a lesson as we can learn.

Prayer

Chapter 16—Private Prayer

Pr 187.3

It Is Our Privilege to Kneel When in Prayer—Both in public and in private worship it is our privilege to bow on our knees before God when we offer our petitions to Him. Jesus, our example, “kneeled down, and prayed.” Luke 22:41. Of His disciples it is recorded that they, too, “kneeled down, and prayed.” Acts 9:40. Paul declared, “I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 3:14. In confessing before God the sins of Israel, Ezra knelt. See Ezra 9:5. Daniel “kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God.” Daniel 6:10.—(Prophets and Kings, 48.)

Prayer

Chapter 18—Prayer and Worship

Pr 206.1

Both in public and in private worship it is our privilege to bow on our knees before God when we offer our petitions to Him. Jesus, our example, “kneeled down, and prayed.” Luke 22:41. Of His disciples it is recorded that they, too, “kneeled down, and prayed.” Acts 9:40. Paul declared, “I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 3:14. In confessing before God the sins of Israel, Ezra knelt. See Ezra 9:5. Daniel “kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God.” Daniel 6:10.—(Prophets and Kings, 48.)

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 2—The Temple and Its Dedication

PK 48.2

Both in public and in private worship it is our privilege to bow on our knees before God when we offer our petitions to Him. Jesus, our example, “kneeled down, and prayed.” Luke 22:41. Of His disciples it is recorded that they, too, “kneeled down, and prayed.” Acts 9:40. Paul declared, “I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 3:14. In confessing before God the sins of Israel, Ezra knelt. See Ezra 9:5. Daniel “kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God.” Daniel 6:10.

Selected Messages Book 2

Chapter 32—Proper Attitude in Prayer

2SM 311.2

“And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed” (Luke 22:41).

Notebook Leaflets from the Elmshaven Library, vol. 1

Chapter 37—The Attitude in Prayer

1NL 119.2

“And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed.” Luke 22:41.

From Splendor to Shadow

Israel’s Greatest Glory

SS 24.1

Both in public and in private worship it is our privilege to bow on our knees when we offer our petitions to God. Jesus, our example, “kneeled down, and prayed.” Luke 22:41. His disciples, too, “kneeled down, and prayed.” Acts 9:40. Paul declared, “I bow my knees unto the Father.” Ephesians 3:14. Daniel “kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God.” Daniel 6:10.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)

Ms 41, 1909

24LtMs, Ms 41, 1909, par. 5

Recently the agony of Christ in the garden of Gethsemane was three times vividly portrayed before me. The Saviour left His disciples in the garden, bidding them watch and pray with Him, and going “about a stone’s cast from them,” He “kneeled down, and prayed, saying, Father, if Thou be willing, remove this cup from Me: nevertheless not My will, but Thine be done. And there appeared an angel unto Him from heaven, strengthening Him. And being in an agony He prayed more earnestly: and His sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. And when He rose up from prayer, and was come to His disciples, He found them sleeping for sorrow, and said unto them, Why sleep ye? Rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.” [Luke 22:41-46.]

Counsels for the Church

Conditions of Answered Prayer

CCh 305.2

God knows the end from the beginning. He is acquainted with the hearts of all men. He reads every secret of the soul. He knows whether those for whom prayer is offered would or would not be able to endure the trials that would come upon them should they live. He knows whether their lives would be a blessing or a curse to themselves and to the world. This is one reason why, while presenting our petitions with earnestness, we should say, “Nevertheless not my will, but Thine, be done.” Luke 22:42. Jesus added these words of submission to the wisdom and will of God when in the Garden of Gethsemane He pleaded, “O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me.” Matthew 26:39. And if they were appropriate for Him, the Son of God, how much more are they becoming on the lips of finite, erring mortals!

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Ms 24, 1888

5LtMs, Ms 24, 1888, par. 36

Self has far more to do with our religious experience than we imagine. When self is crucified, when the stubborn will is subdued, then the language of the heart will be, “Not my will, but Thine, be done, O God, whose I am and whom I serve.” “Speak, Lord, for thy servant heareth.” [Luke 22:42; Acts 27:23; 1 Samuel 3:9.] None will be as fixed stars, cold and immovable. This selfish, worldly dignity will no longer be maintained. There will be a beautiful blending of purity, elevation, and nobility which is wisdom from above and the meekness and lowliness of Jesus Christ. An innocent lamb was chosen as a representation of Christ.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 43, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 43, 1890, par. 7

We commenced the meeting at half past two and remained to welcome the sacred hours of the Sabbath. I have been urging my prayer for the Lord to strengthen me, to give my poor heart rest from pain. I leave my petition at the throne of grace and say, “Not my will, but thine, O Lord be done.” [Luke 22:42.] If it be His pleasure to give me grace to work for Him in pain and suffering almost constantly, and this is best for me, I say, “Amen.” I will continue to work until I lay off the armor at the feet of my Redeemer. Jesus, precious Saviour, is my trust, my song all the day, my refuge in all my troubles.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 27, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 27, 1890, par. 22

Christ expects us to keep the will of God ever before us, making it our rule of life, committing the keeping of our souls to God as unto a faithful Creator. We are not to allow our own will to control, for we have been bought with a price. We are to keep ever in view the glory of God, for we are Christ’s representatives. Every purpose, every plan, every object, must bow to the supreme will. “I came” Christ said, “not to do mine own will, but the will of Him that sent Me. My meat is to do the will of Him that sent me, and to finish His work.” [John 6:38; 4:34.] In the garden of Gethsemane, His soul enshrouded with darkness, the thought before Him that His life of humiliation and suffering was to be ended by an ignominious death, He looked to God, exclaiming, “Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me. Nevertheless, not My will, but Thine be done.” [Matthew 26:39; Luke 22:42.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 27, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 27, 1892, par. 18

Have you not let go of Christ to follow your plans? Did Jesus Christ, the Majesty of heaven, have His way? Behold Him in travail of soul in Gethsemane, praying to His Father. What forces these blood drops of agony from His holy brow? O, the sins of the whole world are upon Him <because the human agents wanted to [do] as Satan proposed for them to do, and Jesus suffered for their sins.> It was separation from the Father’s love that forced from His pale and quivering lips the cry, “Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me.” [Matthew 26:39.] Three times was the prayer offered, but followed by: “Nevertheless, not my will, but thine, be done.” [Luke 22:42.] This must be our attitude: “Not my will, but thine, O God, be done.” This is true conversion.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 26a, 1892

7LtMs, Ms 26a, 1892, par. 9

The Lord “doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men.” [Lamentations 3:33.] “Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him, for he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.” [Psalm 103:13, 14.] He knows our heart, for He reads every secret of the soul. He knows whether or not those for whom petitions are offered would be able to endure the trial and test that would come upon them if they lived. He knows the end from the beginning. Many will be laid away to sleep in Jesus before the fiery ordeal of the time of trouble shall come upon our world. This is another reason why we should always say after our earnest petition, “Nevertheless not my will, but thine, O Lord, be done.” [Luke 22:42.] Such a petition will never be registered in heaven as a faithless prayer.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 17, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 17, 1893, par. 17

We want to understand what Jesus is to us. This battle is in view of the whole universe of heaven. As Christ bowed on the sods of Gethsemane, the destiny of a lost world was balanced. Listen to His prayer. “Not my will but thine be done.” [Luke 22:42.] His bloody drops moistened the sods of Gethsemane. His visage was more marred than the sons of men. It was then He said, “Could you not watch with me one hour?” [Matthew 26:40.] The Son of God betrayed by Judas. They mocked Him and ill treated Him in every way. We sometimes think we have a hard time if we should be ill treated by those to whom we carry the words of God, to those who are not like the noble Bereans, who searched the Scriptures daily to [see] whether these things were so.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 48, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 48, 1893, par. 45

I beg of you, for Christ’s sake, to turn away your eyes from beholding the defects of character in your brethren, and pray most earnestly that your own heart may be sanctified through the truth. Pray that Jesus will impart to you that faith which works by love, and purifies the soul. “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” [Philippians 2:5.] In the garden of Gethsemane, Christ, in His human nature, faltered and was sinking under the burden. But the thought of pleasing God nerved Him and sustained Him in the terrible ordeal. “Not my will, but thine, O God, be done.” [Luke 22:42.] This is the source of all our strength. It is only when the love of God is shed abroad in the heart that the earnest desire exists to live for God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 54, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 54, 1894, par. 16

It is a dangerous thing for men to resist the Spirit of truth and grace and righteousness, because its manifestations are not according to their idea and have not come in the line of their methodical plans. The Lord works in His own way, and according to His own devising. Let men pray that they may be divested of self and may be in harmony with heaven. Let them pray, “Not my will, but thine, be done.” [Luke 22:42.] Let men bear in mind that God’s ways are not their ways, nor His thoughts their thoughts, for He says, “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:9.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 6, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 6, 1894, par. 7

I feel now, my sister, that let God speak, and we will say, “Not my will, but Thy will, O God, be done.” [See Luke 22:42.] I know that human beings suffer much because they step out of the path that God has chosen for them to follow. They walk in the sparks of the fire they have kindled themselves, and the sure result is affliction, unrest and sorrow, which they might have avoided if they had submitted their will to God and had permitted Him to control their ways. God sees that it is necessary to oppose our will and our way, and bring our human will into subjection. Whatever path God chooses for us, whatever way He ordains for our feet, that is the only path of safety. We are daily to cherish a spirit of childlike submission, and pray that our eyes may be anointed with the heavenly eyesalve in order that we may discern the indications of the divine will, lest we become confused in our ideas because our will seems to be all-controlling. With the eye of faith, with childlike submission as obedient children, we must look to God, to follow His guidance, and difficulties will clear away.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 1a, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 1a, 1894, par. 9

Oh, how little we know what is before us! We will give ourselves entirely to Jesus, to be wholly His, and then say, “Not my will, but Thy will, O God, be done.” [See Luke 22:42.] You have our sympathy, you have our prayers. You have the tender love and compassion of your Saviour. Look to Him always. Trust in Him continually, and doubt not His love. He knows all our weakness, and that which we need. He will give us grace sufficient for our day. Only look to Jesus continually, and be of good courage.

Counsels on Health

A Most Solemn Experience

CH 375.2

The Lord “doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men.” Lamentations 3:33. “Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him. For He knoweth our frame; He remembereth that we are dust.” Psalm 103:13, 14. He knows our heart, for He reads every secret of the soul. He knows whether or not those for whom petitions are offered would be able to endure the trial and test that would come upon them if they lived. He knows the end from the beginning. Many will be laid away to sleep before the fiery ordeal of the time of trouble shall come upon our world. This is another reason why we should say after our earnest petition; “Nevertheless not my will, but Thine, be done.” Luke 22:42. Such a petition will never be registered in heaven as a faithless prayer.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 65a, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 65a, 1894, par. 5

“But if the spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, He that raised up Jesus from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His spirit that dwelleth in you.” [Romans 8:11.] O how precious are these words to every bereaved soul. Christ is our Guide and Comforter, who comforts us in all our tribulations. When He gives us a bitter draught to drink, He also holds a cup of blessing to our lips. He fills the heart with submission, with joy and peace in believing, and enables us to say submissively, “not my will, but thine, O Lord be done. The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away, blessed be the name of the Lord.” [Luke 22:42; Job 1:21.] With this submission, hope is resurrected, and the hand of faith lays hold upon the hand of infinite power. “He that raised up Christ from the dead, shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His spirit that dwelleth in you.”

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 69a, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 69a, 1896, par. 35

Christ was punished for your sins, [punishment] judiciously inflicted, that you should not perish eternally. And how lightly you esteem these things! Christ, the Sin-bearer who knew no sin, was made to be sin for us, that we might be made righteous through His sufferings and shame in our behalf. What kind of hearts have we, with all this history of the life and love and suffering of Christ in our behalf, and yet we are not fully in sympathy with our Redeemer? Can we wonder that the human nature of Christ staggered and trembled in Gethsemane as He prayed that the cup might pass from Him, if it could be possible and man not perish? But in that anguish, unendurable to finite nature, the loss of your soul, and that of the world, was weighed, and it seemed such a terrible loss that Christ consented to drink the cup. “Not My will but Thy will, O God, be done.” [Luke 22:42.] Nature, if unsustained by Divinity, would have died on this field of battle in our behalf—Christ to bear the wrath of His Father in consequence of sin; Christ to suffer for our sins, loaded with the sins of the whole world.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 87, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 87, 1897, par. 3

Jesus, the precious Saviour, is our very best friend. In the Father’s name, the only begotten of God has brought to you, Herbert and Lillian, the message of love and peace. If Jesus had consulted Himself only, if He had lived for Himself alone, He could not have been our Redeemer. He would have claimed less obedience in His sinless nature; He would never have become a Sin-bearer, and died with the curse of the sins of the whole world upon Him. When, in the garden of Gethsemane, He pleaded that the cup might pass from Him, He added, “Nevertheless, not my will; but thine be done.” [Luke 22:42.]

12LtMs, Lt 87, 1897, par. 4

Thus it should be in every case of sickness in the person of our dear ones. We are to pray for them earnestly and in faith, but the prayer of Christ, which submits the whole matter to the will of God, is to be our prayer. “Not my will, but thine, O God, be done.” [Verse 42.] This will in no case be charged against the petitioner as a lack of faith. Our every prayer should show our acknowledgment of our dependence upon God. The Lord, who has given to us so precious a gift as Jesus, will He not with Him also freely give us all things? He, our heavenly Father, has given us such an expression of His love that no room is left for us to question or to doubt His love. He has taken us to His heart of love.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 93, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 93, 1897, par. 9

The trouble with many is that they do not know the true and living God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent. When we know God as it is our privilege to know Him, we will keep nothing back from Him. Our life will be a life of continual obedience, in things small as well as great. The language of the men and women who give themselves to God without reserve is, “Thy will, not mine be done.” [See Luke 22:42.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 146, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 146, 1897, par. 8

Be sure to give your brethren no occasion to cherish feelings of distrust and suspicion, and justify the course taken toward you and others in methods of dealing. Walk with your eye fixed on Jesus. I would be glad to have you connect with the work in Australia if it is God’s will; but if not, I will say, “Thy will, O Lord, not mine, be done.” [See Luke 22:42.] Let your soul be stayed upon God, and whenever the light shines directing you here, come, and we will welcome you. But, my children, keep fast hold of Christ’s hand, and walk in the light as He is in the light. He has a work for you to do, and He has told you what it is—“preach the Word; be instant in season, and out of season.” [2 Timothy 4:2.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 49, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 49, 1898, par. 40

The Saviour knew that this was to come, and He cried, “If it be possible, let this cup pass from me.” [Matthew 26:39.] But had this cup passed from Him, as He prayed, the plan of redemption must have been frustrated. There rose before Him the picture of a lost world, and He added, “Not my will, but thine be done. For this cause came I into the world.” [Luke 22:42; John 18:37.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 120, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 120, 1900, par. 10

I feel now, my sister, that let God speak, and we will say, “Not my will, but thy will, O God, be done.” [See Luke 22:42.] I know that human beings suffer much because they step out of the path that God has chosen for them to follow. They walk in the sparks of the fire they themselves have kindled, and the sure result is affliction, unrest, and sorrow, which they might have avoided if they had submitted their will to God, and had permitted him to control their ways. God sees that it is necessary to oppose our will and our way, and bring our human will into subjection. Whatever path God chooses for us, whatever way He ordains for our feet, that is the only path of safety. We are daily to cherish a spirit of childlike submission and pray that our eyes may be anointed with the heavenly eyesalve in order that we may discern the indications of the divine will, lest we become confused in our ideas, because our will seems to be all-controlling.

Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)

Submission to God’s Will

GW 218.1

God knows the end from the beginning. He is acquainted with the hearts of all men. He reads every secret of the soul. He knows whether those for whom prayer is offered would or would not be able to endure the trials that would come upon them should they live. He knows whether their lives would be a blessing or a curse to themselves and to the world. This is one reason why, while presenting our petitions with earnestness, we should say, “Nevertheless not my will, but Thine, be done.” [Luke 22:42.] Jesus added these words of submission to the wisdom and will of God when in the garden of Gethsemane He pleaded, “O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me.” [Matthew 26:39.] And if they were appropriate for Him, the Son of God, how much more are they becoming on the lips of finite, erring mortals!

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 66, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 66, 1901, par. 15

Who can fathom the suffering of Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane as He felt to its fullest extent the weight of the sin of the world? So keenly did He feel the sinfulness of sin that for a moment the cup trembled in His hand, and all heaven heard the agonizing cry, “If it be possible, let this cup pass from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but thine be done.” [Matthew 26:39; Luke 22:42.] And the omnipotent God suffered with His Son.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 113, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 113, 1901, par. 20

I have just returned from speaking to the people in the tent. The Lord gave me a message of consolation. I encouraged the people to offer praise and thanksgiving to God. The Lord desires us to keep our lives free from sinful indulgences. If we sit in meekness at the feet of Jesus, we cannot fail to have right views of God’s character. The precious Saviour was ever lifting up the bowed-down, and if we work in union with Him, we shall reveal His compassion. Then will ascend the prayer, “Father, I thank thee for thy goodness. Not my will but thine be done.” [See Luke 22:42.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 184, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 184, 1901, par. 8

But from the lips of the Redeemer fell the words, “Not my will, but thine be done.” [Luke 22:42.] He saw man’s inability to break away from the power of sin. He saw that if he did not drink the cup of suffering, the race would perish. He would not leave them to themselves, but would descend to the lowest depths of woe to rescue them.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 303, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 303, 1903, par. 15

As the head of humanity, Christ lived on this earth a perfect, consistent life, in conformity with the will of His heavenly Father. When He left the courts of heaven, He announced the mission that He designed to fulfill. “Lo, I come,” He declared. “In the volume of the book it is written of Me, I delight to do Thy will, O My God.” [Psalm 40:7, 8.] Always uppermost in His mind and heart was the thought, “Not My human will, but Thy will, be done.” [Luke 22:42.] This was the infallible principle that actuated Him in all His words and works, and that molded His character.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 56, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 56, 1903, par. 2

These words seem almost beyond the grasp of our faith, yet we are to believe them and act in accordance with them. But we must remember that Christ does not promise to hide with Himself in God the humanity of the one who clings to his sinful ways or his self-righteousness. We must take time to pray, and then we must live lives that are in harmony with our prayers, believing that the Lord will answer us. The answer may not come in just the way that we expect, but we may rest assured that the Master knows our every necessity. We are to meet every trial with the words, “Not my will, but God’s be done.” [Luke 22:42.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Ms 156, 1904

19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 12

Consider it. The angel stands by His side, and Christ is strengthened. He takes the cup. He drinks of suffering from the hand of the angel. Where should we have been unless He drank that cup in His agony? It was in our behalf that He suffered. It was on our account that He was battling with the powers of darkness. To such an extent was Satan presenting the temptation that He would expire in His sufferings and agony of the cross. He felt the sins of the world laid upon Him. Before He drank the cup He said to His Father, “Not My will, O God, but Thine, be done.” [Luke 22:42.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Lt 45, 1905

20LtMs, Lt 45, 1905, par. 1

We can sympathize with you, although at a distance from you. I would say, Do not give up hope, but cling to the promise, “Ask, and ye shall receive.” [John 16:24.] Yet do not feel discouraged if He who can do the work of healing, He who knows the end from the beginning, permits His child to die, to rise in the morning of the resurrection. Say, “Not my will, but Thine, O God, be done.” [Luke 22:42.] The Lord understands what is to come upon our world. The end of all things is at hand.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)

Ms 117, 1909

24LtMs, Ms 117, 1909, par. 42

And when we see that Christ was sent to our world, O what suffering He endured! He sweat as it were great drops of blood when that cup of suffering trembled in His hand, whether He should drink that cup, or leave the human family to perish. “If it be possible, Father,” He says, “let this cup pass from me. But nevertheless, not my will, but Thine O God be done.” [Matthew 26:39; Luke 22:42.] And an angel came from heaven to strengthen Him to drink the cup. He staggered to His feet, where He had left His disciples, telling them to watch and pray, but He found them sleeping. He said, Sleep on. But it was here the cup trembled in His hands. Should He drink it? An angel came to strengthen Him to drink the cup of suffering. You know what suffering He endured. On the cross of Calvary, the Majesty of heaven, the King of glory was dying to save sinful souls.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)

Ms 130, 1909

24LtMs, Ms 130, 1909, par. 39

What will you do? How many of you will start on this work and decide that you will have heaven? Christ died, Christ suffered upon the cross, and He was taking the sins of the whole world upon Him. He was separated from His Father and the great bloody sweat came from His brow and moistened the sod of Gethsemane. He said, “If it be possible let this cup pass by Me, nevertheless not My will but Thine be done.” [Matthew 26:39; Luke 22:42.] He staggered and the cup trembled in His hand and it seemed that the destiny of a lost world was upon Him. It was balanced, and a strong angel came from heaven and there he strengthened the Son of man.

In Heavenly Places

God’s Way, Not Mine, May 20

HP 147.4

Our own way must be overcome. Pride, self-sufficiency, must be crucified and the vacuum supplied with the Spirit and power of God.... Did Jesus Christ, the Majesty of heaven, have His way? Behold Him in travail of soul in Gethsemane, praying to His Father. What forces these blood drops of agony from His holy brow? Oh, the sins of the whole world are upon Him! It was separation from the Father’s love that forced from His pale and quivering lips the cry, “Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me” (Matthew 26:39). Three times was the prayer offered, but followed by “Nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done” (Luke 22:42). This must be our attitude—Not my will, but Thine, O God, be done. This is true conversion.31Letter 27, 1892.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)

Ms 140, 1909

24LtMs, Ms 140, 1909, par. 16

Now that cup was trembling in His hand, when He was in that condition, just a little while after He had said, “I am the true vine, and ye are the branches.” [John 15:1, 5.] And here He says, in view of that cup that was trembling in His hands, If it be possible, let this cup pass from me. Nevertheless, indeed, not My will, but Thine be done. And there He was, fainting as it were, dying on the field of battle, when a mighty angel from heaven came down, and lifted His head and put it upon His bosom, and there He drank that cup, He consented to drink that cup of suffering, that was right before Him. And we know how He bore it all the way through, “Not My will,” He said, “but Thine be done.” [Luke 22:42.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)

Ms 119, 1909

24LtMs, Ms 119, 1909, par. 39

While I was in this agony three times, I became unconscious, this agony of seeing Christ, and the bloody sweat that was dropping, moistening the sod of Gethsemane, and He saying, Not My will, but Thine, O God, be done. [Luke 22:42.] That is what He said, and He bore that intense agony, and when stretched on the cross, the poor sinner says, Remember me, etc. And He assured him that He would.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Ms 83, 1910

25LtMs, Ms 83, 1910, par. 31

As Christ was suffering in agony, a mighty angel came from glory and strengthened the divine sufferer to bear all that. He said, “Not My will, but Thine be done.” [Luke 22:42.] Taking the cup trembling in His hand, it seemed that the destiny of the lost world was balanced, as I viewed it. But the strength came from heaven to go through the ordeal, to die in our behalf. What are you willing to suffer for Christ’s sake in order to help others that are weak and trembling and do not know what to do? Shall we every one of us brace ourselves up? Shall we seek to be humble before God, and meek and lowly? Shall we seek for unity? God grant that we may.

The Three Angels’ Messages

“Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord”

3AM 185.5

Many will be laid away to sleep—The Lord “doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men.” [Lamentations 3:33.] “Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him, for he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.” [Psalm 103:13, 14.] He knows our heart, for He reads every secret of the soul. He knows whether or not those for whom petitions are offered would be able to endure the trial and test that would come upon them if they lived. He knows the end from the beginning. Many will be laid away to sleep in Jesus before the fiery ordeal of the time of trouble shall come upon our world. This is another reason why we should always say after our earnest petition, “Nevertheless not my will, but thine, O Lord, be done.” [Luke 22:42.] Such a petition will never be registered in heaven as a faithless prayer.

Prayer

Chapter 22—Prayer for the Sick

Pr 232.2

God knows the end from the beginning. He is acquainted with the hearts of all men. He reads every secret of the soul. He knows whether those for whom prayer is offered would or would not be able to endure the trials that would come upon them should they live. He knows whether their lives would be a blessing or a curse to themselves and to the world. This is one reason why, while presenting our petitions with earnestness, we should say, “Nevertheless not my will, but Thine, be done.” Luke 22:42.—(Ministry of Healing, 229, 230.)

The Ministry of Healing

Confession of Sin

MH 230.1

God knows the end from the beginning. He is acquainted with the hearts of all men. He reads every secret of the soul. He knows whether those for whom prayer is offered would or would not be able to endure the trials that would come upon them should they live. He knows whether their lives would be a blessing or a curse to themselves and to the world. This is one reason why, while presenting our petitions with earnestness, we should say, “Nevertheless not my will, but Thine, be done.” Luke 22:42. Jesus added these words of submission to the wisdom and will of God when in the Garden of Gethsemane He pleaded, “O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me.” Matthew 26:39. And if they were appropriate for Him, the Son of God, how much more are they becoming on the lips of finite, erring mortals!

The Story of Redemption

In the Garden

SR 210.1

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.” Luke 22:42. 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.

The Upward Look

Christ’s Death Brings Life, July 28

UL 223.3

Who can fathom the suffering of Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane, as He felt to its fullest extent the weight of the sin of the world? So keenly did He feel the sinfulness of sin that for a moment the cup trembled in His hand, and all heaven heard the agonizing cry, “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me” (Matthew 26:39). “Nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done” (Luke 22:42). The omnipotent God suffered with His Son.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Ms 1, 1880

3LtMs, Ms 1, 1880, par. 12

He gave all that He had, His riches and His glory, and then gave His own precious life. For us He endured the agony in the garden of Gethsemane, where the mysterious cup trembled in His hand and His anguished soul cried out, “Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me.” [Matthew 26:39.] Three times from His pale and quivering lips came this agonizing prayer, and then, “Nevertheless, not my will, but thine, O God, be done.” [Luke 22:42.] An angel from heaven strengthened the royal Sufferer to tread His bloodstained path to Calvary and to drink the cup of suffering to its very dregs.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 106, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 106, 1896, par. 17

Of Christ it is said, “And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood, falling down to the ground.” [Luke 22:44.] We need to realize the truth of Christ’s manhood in order to appreciate the truth of the above words. It was not a make believe humanity that Christ took upon Himself. He took human nature and lived human nature. Christ worked no miracles in His own behalf. He was compassed with infirmities, but His divine nature knew what was in man. He needed not that any should testify to Him of this. The Spirit was given Him without measure, for His mission on earth demanded this.

11LtMs, Lt 106, 1896, par. 21

With all his power, Satan pressed his temptations upon Christ seeking to make Him turn aside from offering Himself as an obligation to God. But Christ looked upon a world of woe, and knew that if He failed it would be lost. Shall He turn aside? No, no. An angel from heaven strengthened Him to firmly put aside the temptation, the intense desire to avoid drinking the cup. And as the wail of a lost world came up before Him, He cried in a voice full of the deepest decision, “Nevertheless, not my will, but thine be done.” [Luke 22:42.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 94, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 94, 1902, par. 13

Something of what the Saviour suffered, we may learn from His agony in the garden of Gethsemane, where, leaving His disciples with the injunction to pray earnestly, He went apart from them, and kneeling down, prayed, saying, “Father, if Thou be willing, remove this cup from Me; nevertheless, not My will, but Thine be done. ... And being in an agony, He prayed more earnestly; and His sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” [Luke 22:42, 44.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Ms 1, 1878

3LtMs, Ms 1, 1878, par. 14

There is always danger and trouble in any church which is composed mostly of family connections. This is the curse of the Ligonier church. Relatives who are unconsecrated sympathize with one another, and thus a sinful harmony exists among them. Jesus is united to His people by a love far greater and more enduring than ever bound together the hearts of human kindred; and this love, so deep, so unchanging, is a continual assurance of His faithfulness to support the weak, confirm the wavering, comfort the feeble-minded, and to bind up the bruises of the soul. Oh, wondrous love, that should lead the Saviour to yield up His honor, His glory, His royal throne and royal court, and for our sakes become poor, that we through His poverty might be made rich! In order to secure us to Himself, and insure our eternal salvation, He gave all that He had—His riches, His glory, and His own precious life. For us He endured the agony of the garden of Gethsemane, when the mysterious cup trembled in His hand, and His anguished soul cried out, “Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me.” From His pale, quivering lips came this anguished prayer, and then the words of submission, “O My Father, if this cup may not pass away from Me except I drink it, Thy will be done.” [Matthew 26:39, 42.] An angel from heaven strengthened the royal Sufferer to tread His blood-stained path to Calvary, and to drink the cup of suffering to its very dregs. [Luke 22:43.] Oh, why was all this suffering, this ignominy, and torturing agony? It was that by this sacrifice of Himself His love might stand revealed, that He might woo men from the ways of sin. After man has cost so much, will He leave him now? Oh, no, no! He is faithful that has promised, His arms are outstretched to clasp the repentant, believing ones to His heart of love, with all the tenderness of divine affection. In Jesus we have an enduring, unchanging friend, and though all earthly prospects should fail, and every earthly friend prove treacherous, yet He is faithful still.

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Honored of the Angels, February 13

JNN 52.1

Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him.—Luke 22:43

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 1, 1892

7LtMs, Ms 1, 1892, par. 10

The Garden of Eden, with its foul blot of disobedience, is to be carefully studied and compared with the Garden of Gethsemane where the world’s Redeemer suffered superhuman agony when the sins of the whole world were rolled upon Him. Listen to the prayer of the only begotten Son of God, “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I wilt but as thou wilt.” [Matthew 26:39.] And the second time He prayed saying, “O my Father if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.” [Verse 42.] And the third time He prayed saying the same words. It was here the mysterious cup trembled in the hands of the Son of God. Shall He wipe the bloody sweat from His agonized countenance and let man go? The wail, wretchedness, and ruin of a lost world rolls up its horrible picture before Him. “And being in an agony he prayed the more earnestly; and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” “And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.” [Luke 22:44, 43.] The conflict is ended, Jesus consents to honor His Father by doing His will and bearing His curse, the consequence of man’s transgression. He was obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Here was what was involved in Adam’s disobedience and what the obedience of the Son of God means to us. Adam did not consider all the consequences resulting from his disobedience. He did not set his mind in defiance against God, nor did he in any way speak against God; he simply went directly contrary to His express command. And how many today are doing the very same thing, and their guilt is of much great magnitude because they have the example of Adam’s experience in disobedience and its terrible results to warn them of the consequences of transgressing the law of God. So they have clear light upon this subject, and no excuse for their built in denying and disobeying God’s authority. Adam did not stop to calculate the result of his disobedience.

Christ Triumphant

Christ Was Not Forced to Bear the Guilt of the World, September 17

CTr 267.1

And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. Luke 22:44.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 147, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 147, 1903, par. 21

Again the Son of God was seized with superhuman agony. He knew that He was the Son of God. But a world of loathsome sin seemed about to fall upon Him. Fainting and exhausted, He staggered back to the place of His former struggle. His suffering was even greater than before. As the agony of His soul came upon Him, “His sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” [Luke 22:44.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Ms 134, 1905

20LtMs, Ms 134, 1905, par. 4

It was the anguish of separation from His Father’s favor that made Christ’s sufferings so acute. As the agony of soul came upon Him, He sweat “as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” [Luke 22:44.] His terrible anguish, caused by the thought that in this hour of need God had forsaken Him, portrays the anguish that the sinner will feel when, too late, he realizes that God’s Spirit is withdrawn from him.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 66, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 66, 1906, par. 15

When in the garden of Gethsemane, the cup of suffering was placed in the Saviour’s hand, the thought came to Him, “Should He drink it, or should He leave the world to perish in sin.” His suffering was too great for human comprehension. As the agony of soul came upon Him, “His sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” [Luke 22:44.] The mysterious cup trembled in his Hand. In this awful crisis, when everything was at stake, the mighty angel who stands in God’s presence came to the side of Christ, not to take the cup from His hand, but to strengthen Him to drink it, with the assurance of the Father’s love.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Ms 9, 1910

25LtMs, Ms 9, 1910, par. 11

Often in the silent watches of the night I think of the sufferings of Christ in our behalf. Behold the Redeemer in the garden of Gethsemane. The thought of separation from His Father was the burden pressing so heavily upon His soul. He felt as if He might be unable to pass through such an experience. “If it be possible,” He prayed, “let this cup pass from Me.” [Matthew 26:39.] So great was His agony, that “His sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” [Luke 22:44.] It was for us that He passed through this agony.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Ms 47, 1910

25LtMs, Ms 47, 1910, par. 8

Often in the silent watches of the night I think of the sufferings of Christ in our behalf. Behold the Redeemer in the garden of Gethsemane. The thought of being separated from His Father was the burden pressing so heavily upon His soul. He felt as if He might be unable to pass through such an experience. “If it be possible,” He prayed, “let this cup pass from Me.” [Matthew 26:39.] So great was His agony, that “His sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” [Luke 22:44.] It was for the sake of ransoming a lost world that He passed through this agony.

In Heavenly Places

Fervent Prayer, March 7

HP 73.4

Of Christ it is said: “And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly” (Luke 22:44). In what contrast to this intercession by the Majesty of heaven are the feeble, heartless prayers that are offered to God. Many are content with lip service, and but few have a sincere, earnest, affectionate longing after God.

This Day With God

Promise of His Presence, February 10

TDG 49.6

When in the garden of Gethsemane, the cup of suffering was placed in the Saviour’s hand, the thought came to Him, Should He drink it or should He leave the world to perish in sin? His suffering was too great for human comprehension. As the agony of soul came upon Him, “His sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground” (Luke 22:44). The mysterious cup trembled in His hand. In this awful crisis, when everything was at stake, the mighty angel who stands in God’s presence, came to the side of Christ, not to take the cup from His hand, but to strengthen Him to drink it, with the assurance of the Father’s love.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 57, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 57, 1894, par. 32

I had some other distressing experiences about that time, and altogether I was pressed as a cart beneath sheaves. I had pain in my heart and in my head, followed with numbness. I never understood before the words concerning Christ, “Being in an agony he prayed.” [Luke 22:44.] I was of necessity obliged to fill my place in talking to our people, but O, my heart was so painful. I dared not sleep, and would walk the room in distress and agony. I knew that no living soul could help me.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 27, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 27, 1894, par. 20

That night in agony of distress both of soul and body, I groaned in spirit; I feared I should not live. I have had some experience of what is meant when it was recorded of Christ that “He prayed, being in an agony.” [Luke 22:44.] Certainly I was helpless. Not one I knew could give me a word to bring relief. All the next day my feelings were so intense that I could not write; all the next day I could not do anything. Certainly in my case these articles did not lift up the hands that hang down, or strengthen the feeble knees. The second night was one of sorrow and unspeakable grief. I felt crushed as a cart beneath sheaves.