EGW WritingsMatthew 26
Ellen G. White · Page 2 of 3
Read Matthew 26 in the BibleMatthew 26:37-53
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 42, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 42, 1897, par. 2
As Christ left the disciples, bidding them pray for themselves and for Him, He selected three—Peter, James, and John—and went still farther into the seclusion of the garden. These three disciples had seen His transfiguration; they had seen the heavenly visitors, Moses and Elias, talking with Jesus, and Christ desired their presence with Him on this occasion also. And He “began to be sorrowful and very heavy. Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.” [Matthew 26:37, 38.]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. 12
The universe of heaven had watched with intense interest the entire life of Christ—every step from the manger to the present awful scene of momentous interest. The unfallen worlds were watching the result of this controversy. They beheld the Son of God, their loved Commander, in His superhuman agony, apparently dying on the field of battle to save a lost and perishing world. His soul agony, which three times forced from His pale and quivering lips the cry, “O my Father, if it be possible let this cup pass from me; nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt,” seemed to convulse all heaven. [Matthew 26:39.]12LtMs, Ms 42, 1897, par. 18
Strengthened by the angel sent from heaven, Jesus arises in sweat and blood and agony and for the third time returns to His disciples. Jesus longed to see them. His human nature yearned for human sympathy. He longed to hear from them words that would bring Him some relief in His suffering. But He was disappointed. He found them sleeping in the hour of His bitterest agony. And the sight made angels grow sad. “What,” said the Saviour as He awakened them, “could ye not watch with me one hour?” [Verse 40.]12LtMs, Ms 42, 1897, par. 19
Prophecy had declared that the “Mighty One,” the holy One from Mount Paran, was to tread the wine press alone; “of the people there was none” with Him. [Habakkuk 3:3; Isaiah 63:1-3.] His own arm brought salvation; He was ready for the sacrifice. The fearful crisis was past. That agony which none but God could endure, Christ had borne. To His disciples He said, “Sleep on now, and take your rest.” [Matthew 26:45.] Only a short time before they had made Christ the strongest assurances, that they would never forsake their Lord. They would go with Him to prison; and if need be, they would suffer and die with Him. Just before He bent His footsteps to the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus had said, “All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered. But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee.” And poor, self-sufficient Peter had said, “Although all shall be offended, yet will not I.” [Mark 14:27-29.]12LtMs, Ms 42, 1897, par. 24
“And behold one of them which was with Jesus, stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck the servant of the high priest, and smote off his ear. Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into its 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?” [Matthew 26:51-53.]12LtMs, Ms 42, 1897, par. 30
How intense was the desire of the humanity of Christ to escape the displeasure of an offended God; how His soul longed for relief is shown in the words of the Sufferer, “Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” [Matthew 26:39.] Yet the Son of God endured the wrath of the Lord Jehovah against His sinful subjects. All the accumulated sin of the world was laid upon the Sin-bearer, the One who was innocent of all sin, the One who alone could be the propitiation for sin, because He Himself was obedient.Matthew 26:38
God’s Amazing Grace
The Father’s Frown, June 10
AG 169.4
We can have but faint conceptions of the inexpressible anguish of God’s dear Son in Gethsemane, as He realized His separation from His Father in consequence of bearing man’s sin. He became sin for the fallen race. The sense of the withdrawal of His Father’s love pressed from His anguished soul these mournful words: “My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death” (Matthew 26:38)....Jesus, Name Above All Names
Seal of the Promises Made, October 29
JNN 318.1
“My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.”—Matthew 26:38Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)
Lt 26, 1871
2LtMs, Lt 26, 1871, par. 4
My dear Willie, we do want to see you but we hope you will have both physical and mental health. Watch and pray, my dear boy, lest ye enter into temptation. If the disciples had regarded the words of warning given by Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane they would not have been left in their weakness to forsake their Saviour in the hour of His greatest trial. Had they watched and prayed they would have been impressed, in a manner never to be forgotten, by the sorrowful anguish of Christ in the hour of terrible agony while Satan was assaulting the Divine Sufferer with his fiercest temptations, which led Him to exclaim, “My soul is exceeding sorrowful even unto death.” [Matthew 26:38.] They lost the impressive scene of seeing an angel from glory descending with a message of love from the Father to His Son. This message soothed and calmed the noble, sensitive soul of the Son of God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 36, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 36, 1897, par. 6
What was the cause of the suffering of God’s dear Son in the garden of Gethsemane—suffering so intense that it forced from His lips words that revealed the greatest mental distress: “My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death”? [Matthew 26:38.] Christ had often sought the Father in His trouble and anguish of Spirit, as He beheld with keen distress the situation of the inhabitants of Jerusalem. Often in the lonely mountains He had prayed most earnestly, with strong crying and tears, because, that of all the people on the face of the earth, none were so filled with bitterness and hatred against Him as were those who had been favored with every temporal and spiritual advantage. This was the people for whom the Son of God had done so much, in order that they might become a treasure house of rich truth, to impart the same to the world. And this people, who claimed to know God, were opening their hearts to the attributes of Satan.Matthew 26:38-39
Testimony Treasures, vol. 1
In Gethsemane
1TT 222.2
Jesus had often resorted to Gethsemane with His disciples for meditation and prayer. They were all well acquainted with this sacred retreat. Even Judas knew where to lead the murderous throng, that he might betray Jesus into their hands. Never before had the Saviour visited the spot with a heart so full of sorrow. It was not bodily suffering from which the Son of God shrank, and which wrung from His lips, in the presence of His disciples, these mournful words: “My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death.” “Tarry ye here,” said He, “and watch with Me.” Matthew 26:38.1TT 223.1
Leaving His disciples within hearing of His voice, He went a little distance from them and fell on His face and prayed. His soul was agonized, and He pleaded: “O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me: nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt.” Verse 39. The sins of a lost world were upon Him and overwhelming Him. It was a sense of His Father’s frown, in consequence of sin, which rent His heart with such piercing agony and forced from His brow great drops of blood, which, rolling down His pale cheeks, fell to the ground, moistening the earth.Testimony Treasures, vol. 1
Inexpressible Anguish
1TT 225.3
We can have but faint conceptions of the inexpressible anguish of God’s dear Son in Gethsemane, as He realized His separation from His Father in consequence of bearing man’s sin. He became sin for the fallen race. The sense of the withdrawal of His Father’s love pressed from His anguished soul these mournful words: “My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death.” “If it be possible, let this cup pass from Me.” Then with entire submission to His Father’s will, He adds: “Nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt.” Matthew 26:38, 39.Matthew 26:38-42
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 147, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 147, 1903, par. 18
Behold Christ 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 further 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, “Oh 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.” [Matthew 26:39.]18LtMs, Lt 147, 1903, par. 19
Christ knew that sympathizing hearts were suffering sorely with Him. He knew that He had the support of the angelic host. But He longed for words of consolation from His disciples. Rising with painful effort, He staggered to the place where He had left them. But He “findeth them asleep.” [Verse 40.] 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.” [Mark 13:33; Matthew 26:38, 41.] 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.18LtMs, Lt 147, 1903, par. 20
Addressing Peter, Jesus said, “Simon, sleepest thou? Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is willing, but the flesh is weak.” [Mark 14:37, 38; Matthew 26:41.] He feared that they would not be able to endure the test that 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.”18LtMs, Lt 147, 1903, par. 23
A short time before, Jesus had stood as a mighty cedar, withstanding the storm of opposition that spent its fury upon Him. Now He was like a reed beaten and bent by the angry storm. He had approached the consummation of His work as a conqueror, having at each step gained a 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 He takes the position of a lost soul. Now His voice was heard on the still evening air, not in tones of triumph, but full of human anguish. The wonted calm and quiet seemed broken up, as it was when Jesus stood on the mountain overlooking Jerusalem, and broke forth into an agony of tears. 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.” [Matthew 26:42.]18LtMs, Lt 147, 1903, par. 25
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. That awful moment had come—that moment which was to decide the destiny of the world. The fate of humanity trembled in the balance. Satan came to Him with the masterly temptation, Save yourself even now. Christ might even now refuse to drink the cup apportioned to Him by 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.” [Matthew 26:42.]18LtMs, Lt 147, 1903, par. 26
Three times He has 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 and gathers on His divine soul the sinfulness of every 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 the baptism of blood, that through Him perishing millions may gain everlasting life. He has left the courts of heaven, where all is purity and happiness and glory, to save the one lost sheep, the one world that has fallen by transgression. And He will not now turn away 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.” [Verse 42.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 25, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 25, 1898, par. 3
Yet the face of the man of sorrows is not a face of agony. That was endured in Gethsemane, when the mysterious cup trembled in His hand. This was His hour of keenest agony, when He said, “My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death. ... O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” “O my Father, if this cup may not pass from me except I drink it, thy will be done.” [Matthew 26:38, 39, 42.] His face is pale, and speaks of deep sorrow; but His visage is not marred before His enemies. The countenance of Christ never appeared more beautiful than in His sorrow, expressing, as it did, pity for those who knew not what they were doing. He would help them if He could.Matthew 26:38-46
The Story of Jesus
Chapter 16—In Gethsemane
SJ 102.5
“Tarry ye here, and watch with Me.” Matthew 26:38.SJ 102.8
In His agony, Christ clung to the cold ground. From His pale lips came the bitter cry, “O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt.” Matthew 26:39.SJ 104.4
He made an excuse for their failure in duty toward Him: “The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41. What an example of the tender, loving pity of the Saviour!SJ 104.6
“O My Father, if this cup may not pass away from Me, except I drink it, Thy will be done.” Matthew 26:42.SJ 106.4
“Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray Me.” Matthew 26:45, 46.Matthew 26:39
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!That I May Know Him
Shun the World’s Pleasures, November 1
TMK 311.3
To those who plead for these diversions, we answer, We cannot indulge in them in the name of Jesus of Nazareth.... Go in imagination to Gethsemane and behold the anguish which Christ endured for us. See the world’s Redeemer wrestling in superhuman agony, the sins of the whole world upon His soul. Hear His prayer, borne upon the sympathizing breeze, “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt” (Matthew 26:39). The hour of darkness has come. Christ has entered the shadow of His cross. Alone He must drink the bitter cup. Of all earth’s children whom He has blessed and comforted there is not one to console Him in this dreadful hour. He is betrayed into the hands of a murderous mob. Faint and weary, He is dragged from one tribunal to another.... He who knew not the taint of sin pours out His life as a malefactor upon Calvary. This history should stir every soul to its depths. It was to save us that the Son of God became a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.... Let a sense of the infinite sacrifice made for our redemption be ever with you, and the ballroom will lose its attractions.The Desire of Ages
Chapter 79—“It is Finished”
DA 759.5
All heaven and the unfallen worlds had been witnesses to the controversy. With what intense interest did they follow the closing scenes of the conflict. They beheld the Saviour enter the garden of Gethsemane, His soul bowed down with the horror of a great darkness. They heard His bitter cry, “Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me.” Matthew 26:39. As the Father’s presence was withdrawn, they saw Him sorrowful with a bitterness of sorrow exceeding that of the last great struggle with death. The bloody sweat was forced from His pores, and fell in drops upon the ground. Thrice the prayer for deliverance was wrung from His lips. Heaven could no longer endure the sight, and a messenger of comfort was sent to the Son of God.The Faith I Live By
The Arrow of Death, June 14
FLB 171.3
If Jesus, the world’s Redeemer, prayed, “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me,” and added, “nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt” (Matthew 26:39), how very appropriate it is for finite mortals to make the same surrender to the wisdom and will of God.33Counsels on Health, 375, 376.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 Upward Look
Not My Will, but Thine, February 3
UL 48.1
And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. Matthew 26:39.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.Testimony Treasures, vol. 3
A Motive for Service
3TT 337.1
There was presented to me Christ’s agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, when the mysterious cup trembled in the Redeemer’s hand. “Father, if it be possible,” He prayed, “let this cup pass from Me: nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt.” Matthew 26:39. As He pleaded with the Father, great drops of blood fell from His face to the ground. The elements of darkness were gathered about the Saviour to discourage His soul.From Heaven With Love
Chapter 79—How Christ’s Death Defeated Satan
HLv 507.2
With intense interest heaven and the unfallen worlds followed the closing scenes of the conflict. They heard His bitter cry, “Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me.” Matthew 26:39. They saw Him sorrowful with a bitterness exceeding that of the last great struggle with death. The bloody sweat was forced from His pores, and thrice the prayer for deliverance was wrung from His lips. Heaven could no longer endure the sight, and a messenger of comfort was sent to the Son of God.Counsels on Health
A Most Solemn Experience
CH 375.3
The apostle was bidden to write, “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.” Revelation 14:13. From this we can see that all are not to be raised up; and if they are not raised to health they should not be judged as unworthy of eternal life. If Jesus, the world’s Redeemer, prayed, “O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me,” and added, “nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt” (Matthew 26:39), how very appropriate it is for finite mortals to make the same surrender to the wisdom and will of God.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 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)
Lt 9a, 1891
7LtMs, Lt 9a, 1891, par. 21
The Son of God bore the contradiction of sinners against Himself. Behold His agony in the garden of Gethsemane. Hear His thrice repeated prayer, “If it be possible, let this cup pass from me.” Sweating great drops of blood in His human agony, He added, “Nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.” [Matthew 26:39.] Hath then God no knowledge of His suffering creatures? Behold the Saviour betrayed, mocked, derided in the judgment hall. Who was this? The Prince of Life, the holy and beloved of God. Faint and weary after His long, agonizing struggle in the garden of Gethsemane, He was dragged from one tribunal to another, testified against by false witnesses, given up to the malice of the Jews by Pilate who pronounced Him blameless, scourged with cruel whips, spit upon, mocked at, fainting under the burden of the cross, and then lifted upon the cross, reproached in His dying agonies, the rude soldiers quarreling over His few garments, the reward for their part in the shameful work, priests and rulers in triumph wagging their heads and taunting Him, “He saved others, himself he cannot save. If he be the king of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. He trusted in God; let him deliver him now if he will have him.” [Matthew 27:42, 43.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Ms 26a, 1892
7LtMs, Ms 26a, 1892, par. 10
The apostle was bidden to write, “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.” [Revelation 14:13.] From this we can see that every one is not to be raised up, and if they are not raised to health, they should not be judged as <not having faith.> If Jesus, the world’s Redeemer, prayed, “O my Father, if it be possible let this cup pass from me:” and added, “Nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt” [Matthew 26:39], how very appropriate is it for poor finite mortals to make the same surrender to the wisdom and will of God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Ms 14, 1893
8LtMs, Ms 14, 1893, par. 9
We cannot neglect this great salvation, unless at a tremendous loss to our own souls. Let me ask you, Was it convenient for the Lord of glory to die, the just for the unjust? Every step from the manger to Calvary was marked. Was it convenient for the Lord of glory to be taken by the mob in the Garden of Gethsemane? It was there His pale and quivering lips repeated these words, “O, my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.” [Matthew 26:39.] Why, Christ and the Father were one. He knew the offensive character of sin. He knew the wrath of God was upon Him because of the offensive character of sin.God’s Amazing Grace
Gethsemane’s Anguish, June 9
AG 168.1
O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou will. Matthew 26:39.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Ms 16, 1893
8LtMs, Ms 16, 1893, par. 12
Wicked hands took the Prince of Life, and crucified Him. He died for our sakes. How many open the door of their hearts to Jesus? How many close the door of the heart to the enemy? [Oh,] that we may see the Saviour in His humiliation in taking human nature upon Him. He stooped lower and still lower until we behold Him in the Garden of Gethsemane. There is where He offered the prayer, “If it is possible ....” [Matthew 26:39.] (See Scripture.) It was here He prayed three times. Why, the bloody sweat that came from His pores moistened the sods of Gethsemane. The destiny of a lost world was balanced. He could have said, “I cannot take the sins of the world.” But no, no, the misery and weight of [a] lost world comes up before Him, and He accepts the cup.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 105, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 105, 1894, par. 23
Christ died in order to open the way so that those who are transgressors of his law might, through his merits, become obedient children. It was to this end that Christ our Passover was sacrificed for us. He endured humiliation, ignominy, and shame in order that through his perfection of character, the sinner might be lifted up, this has been Christ’s interest in you and yet you have been so unconcerned in regard to your eternal interests, that you have had no relish for heavenly things. Christ was punished for your sins, in order that you might not perish eternally; but how lightly you have esteemed his sufferings! He who knew no sin was made a sin bearer for us that we through his shame and suffering in our behalf might be made righteous. What kind of hearts can we have to behold the life and love and sufferings of Christ in our behalf, and yet be out of 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 were possible that it should pass, and man not perish? But in the midst of anguish unendurable to finite nature, he weighed the loss of your soul and that of the world, and it seemed such a terrible loss, that Christ consented to drink the cup. He said, “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” [Matthew 26:39.] Human nature un-sustained by divinity would have died on the field of battle. In our behalf Christ bore the wrath of his Father in consequence of sin. He consented to be loaded with the sins of the whole world. While he prayed, “If it be possible let this cup pass from me” the woes of the sinful, disobedient world came up before him. The tide of human anguish that men are yet ignorant of, the terrible consequences of their own iniquity, rose up before Christ, and he was nerved to bear the agony of a lost world. It is only through his sacrifice that everlasting salvation can come to a soul who has transgressed the law of God. How can you make salvation seem so light a matter that you will not decide to become a commandment keeper? It is because you have not become a partaker of in spirit of the sufferings of Christ. You do not wish to have your ease disturbed; but prefer to do as you please. You have about decided that you will not suffer reproach for the truth’s sake. You have no appreciation of what Christ suffered to bring salvation within your reach, and make it possible for you to return to your loyalty to God, to have your name registered in the book of God, and to stand un-condemned for the sake of him who was condemned for you.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 33, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 33, 1895, par. 29
The Son of God bore the contradiction of sinners against Himself. Behold His agony in the garden of Gethsemane. Hear His thrice repeated prayer, “If it be possible, let this cup pass from me.” Sweating great drops of blood in His human agony, He added, “Nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” [Matthew 26:39.] Hath then God no knowledge of His suffering creatures? Behold the Saviour betrayed, mocked, derided in the judgment hall. Who was this? The Prince of Life, the holy and beloved of God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Ms 69a, 1896
11LtMs, Ms 69a, 1896, par. 36
“O, if it were possible, let this cup pass from Me.” [Matthew 26:39.] But the woes of a sinful, disobedient world come up before Him, a tide of human anguish that men are ignorant of. They know not the terrible consequence of their own iniquity. Christ was bearing the agony of a lost world. It is only through His sacrifice that everlasting salvation can come to a single soul who has transgressed the law of God, and yet your mind, your individual experience, is such that it seems a very light matter to not be a decided commandment keeper. You have not been a partaker in spirit with the sufferings of Christ. You do not want to be disturbed in your ease just now but do very much as you please. You are about decided you will not suffer reproach for the truth’s sake. You have no sense of what Christ has suffered to bring salvation within your reach and make it possible for you to return to your loyalty to God—with your name registered in the book of life to stand uncondemned because you receive and believe in Him who was condemned for you.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 49, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 49, 1898, par. 37
“God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] Those who believe in a crucified Redeemer, who receive Him as their personal Saviour, have eternal life. Christ drank the bitter cup in their behalf. He took upon Himself the guilt of every sinner then in the world, and every sinner that should afterward be born. As He bowed His soul to receive the load of guilt, He cried, “If it be possible, let this cup pass from me.” [Matthew 26:39.] He made a voluntary sacrifice. He contemplated the burden of sin. He alone could measure its magnitude.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.]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 14 (1899)
Ms 92, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 92, 1899, par. 35
Christ was obedient unto death. He prayed, “If it be possible, let this cup pass from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but thy will, O God, be done.” [Matthew 26:39.] “If by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.” [Romans 5:19.] The garden of Eden, with its disobedience and transgression, and its penalty of death, stands before us in contrast with the garden of Gethsemane, where Christ agonized at the thought of standing as a sinner against the Father He loved, to be separated and bear the chastisement, to be treated as an enemy, that through Him the world might be saved. The thought wrung from His pale and quivering lips the words, If it be possible to save man in any other way, let this cup pass from Me. But Thy will, not Mine, be done.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 18 (1903)
Ms 154, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 154, 1903, par. 28
Not until Christ had suffered the agonies of Gethsemane and of Calvary’s cross did the disciples realize even to a limited degree the great love wherewith Christ loved them. In Gethsemane they saw Him wrestling with God; they viewed His face all marred with the great sweatdrops of blood caused by the intensity of His mental anguish; they witnessed His betrayal by one to whom He had given every opportunity of salvation. Never can we comprehend fully the sufferings through which Christ passed at this time. He pleaded, “O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me:” but immediately He added, “Nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt.” [Matthew 26:39.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Ms 134, 1905
20LtMs, Ms 134, 1905, par. 5
Christ’s human nature recoiled from the trial, and with strong crying and tears He said, “O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me.” [Matthew 26:39.] The humanity of Christ trembled in that trying hour. The awful moment had come—that moment which was to decide the destiny of the world. The fate of humanity hung 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.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
The Spirit of Submission, March 23
HP 89.4
In the Garden of Gethsemane, Christ prayed to His Father, saying, “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me” (Matthew 26:39). The cup which He prayed should be removed from Him, that looked so bitter to His soul, was the cup of separation from God in consequence of the sin of the world.... “Nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt” (Matthew 26:39). The spirit of submission that Christ manifested in offering up His prayer before God is the spirit that is acceptable to God. Let the soul feel its need, its helplessness, its nothingness; let all its energies be called forth in an earnest desire for help, and help will come.... Let faith pierce the darkness. Walk with God in the dark as well as in the light, repeating the words, “He is faithful that promised” (Hebrews 10:23). Through the trial of our faith we shall be trained to trust in God.41The Review and Herald, November 19, 1895.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)
Ms 41, 1909
24LtMs, Ms 41, 1909, par. 6
Three times the Saviour prayed, “If it be possible, let this cup pass from Me.” [Matthew 26:39.] It was here that the destiny of a lost world hung in the balance. Should He refuse to drink the cup, the result would be eternal ruin to the human race. But an angel from heaven strengthened the Son of God to accept the cup and to drink its bitter woe.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)
Ms 43, 1909
24LtMs, Ms 43, 1909, par. 10
There was presented to me Christ’s agony in the garden of Gethsemane, when the mysterious cup trembled in the Redeemer’s hand. “Father, if it be possible,” He prayed, “let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as Thou wilt.” [Matthew 26:39.] As He pleaded with the Father, great drops of blood fell from His face to the ground. The elements of darkness were gathered about the Saviour to discourage His soul.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Ms 83, 1910
25LtMs, Ms 83, 1910, par. 30
The thought that He was taking the sins of the world upon Him seemed as though it would crush Him; it seemed so in the humanity of His nature, and yet never had He failed on a point. In His agony He said, “If it be possible, let this cup pass from me,” but if not, strengthen me to drink it. [Matthew 26:39.] And as He prayed, the great drops of bloody sweat moistened the sod of Gethsemane. He went to His disciples, hoping to find them watching, but they were asleep. Are any of us asleep? God help us! We are facing a crisis. Christ was facing a crisis then. We shall have conditions that we do not dream of, and we will need to be in close relation with God.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.25LtMs, Ms 9, 1910, par. 12
While the Saviour was in the garden, the cup trembled in His hand. Should He refuse to drink it? Only through His sacrifice could the sinner be saved. Should the divine Sufferer refuse to drink of that cup trembling in His hand? It was then that a mighty angel came to strengthen Him, and He prayed, “Nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt.” [Matthew 26:39.] At times, when in great trial, or great pain, I think, What is the use of continuing to work as I do? But I am ashamed of myself as soon as such a thought passed through my mind. I see Jesus, my Redeemer, suffering in Gethsemane; I see trembling in His hand the cup that is to separate Him for a time, as it were, from His Father; I see Him suffering at the hands of cruel men, who struck Him in the face, and spat upon Him, and then mockingly commanded Him to give them a sign that He was the Saviour. Oh, what if He had refused to drink the bitter cup of agony He endured? What if His prayer had been answered? But God knew best and strengthened His only begotten Son to endure the agony and the shame and become a propitiation for the sins of a lost world.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.25LtMs, Ms 47, 1910, par. 9
While the Saviour was in the garden, the cup trembled in His hand. Should He refuse to drink? Only through His sacrifice could the sinner be saved. Should the divine Sufferer refuse to drink of that cup trembling in His hand? It was then that a mighty angel came to strengthen Him, and He prayed, “Nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt.” [Matthew 26:39.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Ms 78, 1910
25LtMs, Ms 78, 1910, par. 27
But now here was our Saviour, as it were, dying on the field of battle, and His disciples [were] asleep. How I have felt when I have thought of these things! He staggered, with the bloody sweat coming from His pores, moistening the sod of Gethsemane; and there was the cup of sufferings presented to Him; and He went to see where His disciples were, and they were asleep. Are we asleep? He staggered back again, and began to pray for them, and here it was that the mysterious cup trembled in His hand. Should He drink of that cup, that cup of sufferings? “If it be possible,” He said, “let this cup pass from Me.” [Matthew 26:39.] A strong angel was sent from heaven to strengthen Him. What if He had let that cup of sufferings alone? We should have been lost. He drank that cup for us, and we want to understand it. We want to sense what He has suffered in our behalf. He did not draw back from any representation of sufferings.Jesus, Name Above All Names
Dying Author, July 15
JNN 209.1
“O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.”—Matthew 26:39Jesus, Name Above All Names
Surety for a Sinful World, November 23
JNN 344.1
“O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.”—Matthew 26:39In 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.The Three Angels’ Messages
“Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord”
3AM 186.1
The apostle was bidden to write, “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.” [Revelation 14:13.] From this we can see that every one is not to be raised up, and if they are not raised to health, they should not be judged as not having faith. If Jesus, the world’s Redeemer, prayed, “O my Father, if it be possible let this cup pass from me,” and added, “Nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt” [Matthew 26:39], how very appropriate is it for poor finite mortals to make the same surrender to the wisdom and will of God.—Manuscript 26a, 1892 (August 5) (Counsels on Health, 375, 376)Our Father Cares
The Arrow of Death, March 15
OFC 86.3
If Jesus, the world’s Redeemer, prayed, “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me,” and added, “nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt” (Matthew 26:39), how very appropriate it is for finite mortals to make the same surrender to the wisdom and will of God.Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9
A Motive For Service
9T 102.1
There was presented to me Christ’s agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, when the mysterious cup trembled in the Redeemer’s hand. Father, if it be possible,” He prayed, “let this cup pass from Me: nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt.” Matthew 26:39. As He pleaded with the Father, great drops of blood fell from His face to the ground. The elements of darkness were gathered about the Saviour to discourage His soul.That I May Know Him
The Weight of God’s Wrath, February 27
TMK 64.2
In the Garden of Gethsemane Christ suffered in man’s stead, and the human nature of the Son of God staggered under the terrible horror of the guilt of sin, until from His pale and quivering lips was forced the agonizing cry, “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me”; but if there is no other way by which the salvation of fallen man may be accomplished, then “not as I will, but as thou wilt” (Matthew 26:39).Matthew 26:39-40
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 106, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 106, 1896, par. 19
We naturally long for sympathy and fellowship in suffering, and Christ felt this longing to the depths of His being. When in His trial in Gethsemane, He asked His disciples to watch with Him. But even they did not witness His greatest agony. He fought out His soul battle alone, for when He came to see His disciples, He found them sleeping. Sorrowfully He asked, “What, could ye not watch with me one hour?” [Matthew 26:40.] Christ poured out His soul to God in an agony that He was not ashamed for His disciples to witness. They would ever afterwards call to mind that scene in Gethsemane, when their Lord bent over them, His face all marred with the bloody sweat which was caused by the agony He was enduring.11LtMs, Lt 106, 1896, par. 20
Then Christ went back to pray, not now for Peter that his faith fail not, but for His own tempted, tried, agonized soul. His human nature longed to escape the final test. The mysterious cup trembled in His hand. Shall He drink it? “If it be possible,” was His agonizing prayer, “let this cup pass from me.” [Verse 39.] The sins of one human being would be sufficient to crush a finite man, but upon Christ were laid the sins of the whole world.Matthew 26:39-42
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.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Ms 52, 1904
19LtMs, Ms 52, 1904, par. 5
Behold His 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 further 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.” [Matthew 26:39.]19LtMs, Ms 52, 1904, par. 6
The human heart longs for sympathy in suffering. This longing Christ felt to the very depths of His being, and He went to the place where He had left His disciples. Had He found them praying, He would have been relieved. But they were asleep. They could give Him no comfort. Once more after this He came to them, but again He found them asleep. Turning away Jesus sought 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 men. 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 trembling 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.” [Verse 42.]Matthew 26:39-45
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Ms 158, 1904
19LtMs, Ms 158, 1904, par. 4
These words were spoken by Christ, as He realized that the very next turn of the wheel would bring Him to the bitter experience of Gethsemane. It was but a very short time after, He was praying to His Father: “Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me.” [Matthew 26:39.] The cup of humiliation and suffering was trembling in the Saviour’s hand. Should He drink of it? Should He take upon His divine soul the sins of the world? Should He take upon His soul the weight of the sins of the world, that man might have another opportunity of eternal life?19LtMs, Ms 158, 1904, par. 10
Only think of what He bore for us! Three times He came to His disciples, finding them asleep each time. The third time He said, “Sleep on now, and take your rest.” [Matthew 26:45.]Matthew 26:39-56
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.3LtMs, Ms 1, 1878, par. 52
Nothing is more offensive to God than a self-sufficient spirit. In the life of Peter is a sad lesson which should be a warning to all the professed followers of Christ. The Saviour had faithfully warned him of the approaching danger, but, self-confident and presumptuous, he asserted his constant fidelity and zeal and declared himself willing to follow his Master to prison and to death. The test came for Peter when the storm burst upon the disciples by the humiliation of their Leader. Mournful are the words traced by the pen of inspiration: “Then all the disciples forsook Him and fled.” [Matthew 26:56.] And the ardent, zealous, self-confident Peter repeatedly denied his Lord. He afterward bitterly repented; but this example should admonish all to beware of self-confidence and self-righteousness.Matthew 26:40
Manuscript Releases, vol. 9 [Nos. 664-770]
MR No. 738—Christ’s Human Nature in Gethsemane
9MR 266.1
We naturally long for sympathy and fellowship in suffering, and Christ felt this longing to the depths of His being when in His trial in Gethsemane He asked His disciples to watch with Him. But even they did not witness his great agony. He fought out His soul-battle alone, for when He came to see His disciples He found them sleeping. Sorrowfully He asked, “What, could ye not watch with Me one hour?” (Matthew 26:40). Christ poured out His soul to God in an agony which He was not ashamed for His disciples to witness. They would ever afterwards call to mind that scene in Gethsemane, when their Lord bent over them, His face all marred with the bloody sweat which was caused by the agony He was enduring.The Story of Redemption
In the Garden
SR 210.2
After Jesus had prayed He came to His disciples, but they were sleeping. In that dreadful hour He had not the sympathy and prayers of even His disciples. Peter, who was so zealous a short time before, was heavy with sleep. Jesus reminded him of his positive declarations and said to him, “What, could ye not watch with Me one hour?” Matthew 26:40. Three times the Son of God prayed in agony.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 15 (1900)
Lt 5, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 5, 1900, par. 15
Christ said to His disciples, “Could ye not watch with me one hour?” [Matthew 26:40.] The Saviour longed for human sympathy, and in His agony He came to His disciples, hoping to hear some word which would impart a ray of consolation. But the ones who ought to have been watching and praying were asleep. The Lord will help us if we will trust in Him, walking by faith and not by sight.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 115, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 115, 1902, par. 8
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. He thought of how the Saviour, during His agony in the garden, had come for sympathy and comfort to those who had been so closely connected with Him in labor. He remembered how He had said, “Simon, sleepest thou? Couldest not thou watch with Me one hour?” [Mark 14:37; Matthew 26:40.] On the very spot where Jesus poured out His soul in agony, Peter fell upon his face and wished that he might die.Matthew 26:40-45
Testimony Treasures, vol. 1
“Watch and Pray”
1TT 223.2
Rising from His prostrate position, He came to His disciples and found them sleeping. He said unto Peter: “What, could ye not watch with Me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Verses 40, 41. At the most important time—the time when Jesus had made a special request for them to watch with Him—the disciples were found sleeping. He knew that severe conflicts and terrible temptations were before them. He had taken them with Him that they might be a strength to Him, and that the events they should witness that night, and the lessons of instruction they should receive, might be indelibly printed upon their memories. This was necessary that their faith might not fail, but be strengthened for the test just before them.1TT 224.1
The Son of God went away the second time, and prayed, saying: “O My Father, if this cup may not pass away from Me, except I drink it, Thy will be done.” Matthew 26:42. And again He came to His disciples and found them sleeping. Their eyes were heavy. By these sleeping disciples is represented a sleeping church, when the day of God’s visitation is nigh. It is a time of clouds and thick darkness, when to be found asleep is most perilous.1TT 224.3
Again the Saviour turned sadly from His sleeping disciples, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. Then He came to them and 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.” Matthew 26:45. How cruel for the disciples to permit sleep to close their eyes, and slumber to chain their senses, while their divine Lord was enduring such inexpressible mental anguish! If they had remained watching they would not have lost their faith as they beheld the Son of God dying upon the cross.Matthew 26:41
Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
God’s Guidance to Be Sought
CT 412.1
The Lord says, “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation.” Matthew 26:41. “Watch” lest your studies accumulate to such proportions and become of such absorbing interest to you that your mind is overburdened and the desire for godliness is crushed out of your soul. With many students the motive and aim which caused them to enter school have gradually been lost sight of, and an unholy ambition to secure a high-class education has led them to sacrifice the truth. Their intense interest to secure a high place among men has caused them to leave the will of their heavenly Father out of their calculations; but true knowledge leads to holiness of life through sanctification of the truth.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Lt 21, 1886
4LtMs, Lt 21, 1886, par. 29
We are living in an age when we need to heed the injunctions of the Saviour, “Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation.” [Matthew 26:41.] You cannot avoid the temptation, but you can through the strength of Jesus avoid entering into temptation. Let every one bear in mind that he is exerting an influence to gather with or scatter from Christ. Is every power put to the highest strain and taxed to the utmost limit to make a success of perfecting Christian character, that he may do honor to the truth of God and represent the life and character of his Redeemer, that His people may build one another up in the most holy faith, themselves growing in the knowledge of Jesus Christ, to become strong and as pillars in the church?Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 30a, 1892
7LtMs, Lt 30a, 1892, par. 10
There is to be no compromise with the powers of darkness. Individually we must take our stand. If we are not at enmity with the prince of darkness, the serpent, his folds encircle us and all our powers; his sting is in our hearts. All who range themselves under the blood-stained banner of the Prince of Life will henceforth count Satan as a foe, and will on God’s strength oppose him as a deadly enemy. They will take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. And what will they do in order to hold vantage ground? “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance, and supplication for all saints.” [Ephesians 6:18.] “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing but the flesh is weak.” [Matthew 26:41.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 47, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 47, 1893, par. 12
Before the heavenly angels, Satan points with bitter irony to the outcome of the manifestation of the light and power of God. Burning with desire for revenge for the loss he had sustained, he used his power to the utmost in leading souls to forget God, that he might interpose himself where God should be. He worked to create distrust of God and to lead souls to misunderstand His divine workings. God designed that the manifestation of His power should place His people on vantage ground, giving them a realizing sense of His goodness, and enabling them, in a degree at least, to endure as seeing Him that is invisible. He designed that they should so use their knowledge and experience as to be successful laborers together with God. But through their passion for amusements, carrying the matter to extremes, as do the world, they turned aside God’s purpose. His name, His power, was not magnified. The words of Christ were unheeded, “Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation.” [Matthew 26:41.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Ms 10a, 1895
10LtMs, Ms 10a, 1895, par. 50
The Lord says, “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation.” [Matthew 26:41.] The advice of your own brethren may cause you to swerve from the path which the Lord has marked out for you to walk in, for the minds of men are not always under the control of the Holy Spirit. “Watch” lest your studies shall accumulate to such proportions, and become of such absorbing interest to you, that your mind shall become overburdened, and the desire for godliness be crushed out of your soul. With many students the motive and aim which caused them to enter school have gradually been lost sight of, and an unholy ambition to secure a high class education has led them to sacrifice the truth. Their intense interest to secure a high place among men has caused them to leave the will of their heavenly Father out of their calculations; but true knowledge leads to holiness of life through the sanctification of the truth.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 83, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 83, 1896, par. 29
You, my brother, are to put on the whole armor of God. The Lord Jesus, just before His crucifixion, prayed to His Father, “Keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one as we are.” [John 17:11.] Christ offered this prayer in behalf of His disciples, but when He asks that we may be kept, He does not mean that we are not to co-operate with God in keeping ourselves from evil practices. We must every one of us heed the words of Christ, “Watch unto prayer;” “watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation.” [Matthew 26:41.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 144, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 144, 1897, par. 23
This will be the experience of the sons and daughters of God who receive and believe in Christ as their Redeemer. What does the world’s Redeemer say? “The words of the Lord are as pure words; as silver tried in a furnace of earth purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O Lord, thou shalt preserve them from this generation forever.” [Psalm 12:6, 7.] The children of Christ heed the words, “Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation.” [Matthew 26:41.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 27, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 27, 1897, par. 22
And there is sure to follow a holy influence. A consistency will run through the whole life like golden threads, showing it to be a work of the heart. There is in the leaven placed in the meal, a sure process of taking hold upon the substance, and subduing it. The gospel is not like the leaven in some things. It meets, in the human heart, temptations and hindrances and the natural and cultivated tendencies of the human agent. Therefore Jesus has said, “Watch and pray.” [Matthew 26:41.] We must guard against all selfishness, every species of idolatry. The consistent, pure principles of the Christian will, in pleasant or unpleasant circumstances or surroundings, do much good, for the leaven of good is in him.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 97, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 97, 1897, par. 11
After the meeting I felt the effect of the heat, and was unable to sleep the first part of the night. This morning I feel exhausted as the result. We are not a week or a day too soon in putting up the church. During the summer months the heat would make the room in the school almost unbearable. It is the only room in which we can assemble to worship God, and it is crowded to its utmost capacity. One row of seats in front of the pulpit might be fuller, but this would add to the oppressive atmosphere. All over the house our brethren and sisters can scarcely hold their eyes open. “The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” [Matthew 26:41.]In Heavenly Places
Watch and Pray, March 31
HP 97.1
Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Matthew 26:41.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 145, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 145, 1899, par. 27
No one can be happy apart from God. Holiness means wholeness to God in life and character. When the heart is emptied of self, the vacuum must be filled with the Holy Spirit. If the soul is emptied, then swept and garnished but not filled with the Spirit, Satan comes with other evil spirits and takes possession of the uninhabited house. And God’s Word declares, “The last state of that man shall be worse than the first.” [Matthew 12:44, 45.] Christ will not accept a divided heart. There must be a continual watching unto prayer. “Watch and pray,” Christ enjoined His disciples, “that ye enter not into temptation.” [Matthew 26:41.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 90, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 90, 1901, par. 24
The end is near. Satan is working with an intensity of effort. Let none of us work blindly, making our efforts of none effect by striving with one another. In order to have strength to meet the increasing power of those who are opposed to God, we must drink deeply of the water of life. God desires His people constantly to gain new power; but we are not all doing this. Christ speaks to us the words He spoke to His disciples, “Watch and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.” [Matthew 26:41.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 52, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 52, 1901, par. 1
“Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation.” [Matthew 26:41.] When a man enters into a strange work, which in any way affects another to his injury, the Lord looks on and gives evidence of His displeasure; and the consequences will react upon the doer. Men may hold an exalted place as rulers and teachers in the visible church, and yet not make God their counsellor. They then substitute human devising and human methods for God’s methods. They make God’s will secondary, placing their human conceptions as supreme. Let him who is connected with the service of God make the living oracles his study. In dealing with believers or unbelievers, let him follow the principles God has given. He is constantly to search the Scriptures, that he may understand the counsel God has given His people from the beginning of the world. He is to take the place of a learner, depending upon God for guidance. Then he will fulfil the purpose of God for him. He will eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of God. In word, in spirit, and in action he will show that he cherishes the eternal principles of justice and righteousness.16LtMs, Ms 52, 1901, par. 4
To the people of God comes the injunction, “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation.” [Verse 41.] Temptations born of selfishness and covetousness will come to us constantly, and constantly we are to resist them, strengthened by the grace of God. Those who in reality put on Christ will work out, before a world that is watching Christians, ready to make capital of any erroneous methods, the pure principles of heaven. Christians are to treat their fellow workers as they would wish to be treated, being careful not to take the least advantage of them. They are not to selfishly seize opportunities which will place their brother at a disadvantage.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 184, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 184, 1901, par. 4
In this hour of trial, Christ longed for the sympathy of his disciples. Rising from the ground, he went to them the second time, and once more found them asleep. For a moment he bent over his beloved disciples with a look of inexpressible love and pity. He was acquainted with the power of the prince of darkness, and he knew that this foe had paralyzed their faculties, so that when they should be watching, they were fast asleep. “Watch and pray lest ye enter into temptation,” he said; “The spirit truly is willing, but the flesh is weak.” [Matthew 26:41.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 236, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 236, 1903, par. 11
You are not to be an idler; you are to enter the Master’s service. If you will take hold of the work to which the Lord calls you, you will have the help of the heavenly angels. The Lord loves you, and He will strengthen and bless you, as you watch and pray, seeking help from God, confiding in His wisdom. Prayer is your safeguard. “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation.” [Matthew 26:41.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 238, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 238, 1903, par. 11
If we watch and pray and trust God’s living Word, we shall gain victories. “Watch and pray,” Christ said, “that ye enter not into temptation.” [Matthew 26:41.] The day dawns. We must enter each battle with full faith that through Christ we shall be more than conquerors. As faithful watchmen we must diligently watch for the dangers threatening God’s people. Other chapters will open before us, and in order to discern their meaning, we shall need keen perception. We are not to be depressed or discouraged, but filled with holy boldness. We are not to be disheartened by the prevalence of sin nor by the difficulties that arise on the right hand and on the left. We must put on the whole armor of God and stand firm for the right. In the future, Satan’s superstitions will assume new forms. False theories, clothed with garments of light, will be presented to God’s people. Thus Satan will try to deceive if possible the very elect. Our watchword is to be, “To the law and to the testimony; if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” [Isaiah 8:20.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Lt 15, 1905
20LtMs, Lt 15, 1905, par. 28
Remember that Satan will not leave any one alone who is working to build up memorials for the Lord. “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation.” [Matthew 26:41.]Maranatha
Only One Safe Course, February 18
Mar 57.1
Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation. Matthew 26:41.That I May Know Him
The Christian’s Safeguard, September 18
TMK 267.2
There is a feverish love of pleasure at this time, a fearful increase of licentiousness, a contempt for all authority. Not only worldlings but professed Christians also are governed by inclination rather than duty. The words of Christ are sounding down through the ages, “Watch and pray” (Matthew 26:41).20The Review and Herald, December 20, 1881.This Day With God
Provoke to Love, March 2
TDG 70.2
My children, watch unto prayer, and become more and more careful in regard to your words and your deportment. “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation” (Matthew 26:41). It is poor policy to give the enemy the slightest advantage. My son, be gentlemanly, and you will strengthen your influence over those with whom you work. Never speak unadvisedly. Let your respect for yourself as Christ’s representative keep you from giving way to anger. If we respect ourselves by wearing Christ’s yoke, we shall increase our influence tenfold.Ye Shall Receive Power
Victory Assured, December 28
YRP 371.2
While on earth there will be no escape from conflicts and temptations; but in every storm we have a sure refuge. Jesus has told us, “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” The forces of Satan are marshaled against us, and we have to meet a diligent foe; but if we take heed to the admonition of Christ, we shall be safe. “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation” (Matthew 26:41). There are foes to be resisted and overcome, but Jesus is by our side, ready to strengthen us for every attack. “This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4).Testimony Treasures, vol. 2
A Time to “Watch and Pray”
2TT 187.3
We are living in an age when all should especially give heed to the injunction of the Saviour: “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation.” Matthew 26:41. Let everyone bear in mind that he should be true and loyal to God, believing the truth, growing in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. The Saviour’s invitation is: “Learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” Matthew 11:29. The Lord is willing to help us, to strengthen and bless us; but we must pass through the refining process until all the impurities in our character are burned away. Every member of the church will be subjected to the furnace, not to consume, but to purify.Matthew 26:41-75
From Heaven With Love
Chapter 75—The Illegal Trial of Jesus
HLv 465.1
Through the hushed streets of the sleeping city they hurried Jesus. It was past midnight. Bound and closely guarded, the Saviour moved painfully to the palace of Annas, the ex-high priest. 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 as the voice of God. 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 cunning and subtlety must be used, for Christ’s condemnation must be secured.HLv 465.2
Christ was to be tried formally before the Sanhedrin, but before Annas in a preliminary trial. Under Roman rule the Sanhedrin could only examine a prisoner and pass judgment, to be ratified by the Roman authorities. It was therefore necessary to bring against Christ charges regarded as criminal by the Romans and also in the eyes of the Jews. Not a few priests and rulers had been convicted by Christ’s teaching. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus were not now to be summoned, but others might dare to speak in favor of justice. The trial must unite the Sanhedrin against Christ. Two charges 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.HLv 465.3
The second charge Annas tried first to establish. He questioned Jesus, hoping the prisoner would say something 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 creator of insurrection.HLv 466.1
As if reading the inmost soul of His questioner, Christ denied that He gathered His followers secretly and in the darkness to conceal His designs. “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.”HLv 466.2
The Saviour contrasted His manner of work with the methods of His accusers. They had hunted Him, to bring Him before a secret tribunal, where they might obtain by perjury what it was impossible to gain by fair means. The midnight seizure by a mob, the mockery and abuse before He was 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.HLv 466.3
Turning upon His questioner, Jesus said, “Why askest thou Me?” Had not spies 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; behold, they know what I said.”HLv 466.4
Annas was silenced. One of his officers, filled with wrath, struck Jesus on the face, saying, “Answerest Thou the high priest so?” Christ calmly replied, “If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou Me?” His calm answer came from a heart sinless, patient, and gentle, that would not be provoked.HLv 466.5
At the hands of the beings for whom He was making an infinite sacrifice, Christ received every indignity. And He suffered in proportion to His holiness and 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. And He knew that by flashing forth His divine power, He could lay His cruel tormentors in the dust. This made the trial harder to bear.HLv 467.1
The Jews expected a Messiah, by one flash of overmastering will, to change the current of men’s thoughts and force an acknowledgment of His supremacy. Thus when Christ was treated with contempt, there came to Him a strong temptation to manifest His divine character, to compel His persecutors to confess that He was Lord above kings and rulers, priests and temple. It was difficult to keep the position He had chosen as one with humanity.HLv 467.2
The angels of heaven longed to deliver Christ. How easily could they, beholding the shameful scene, have consumed the adversaries of God! But they were commanded not to. It was part of His mission to bear in His humanity all the abuse that men could heap upon Him.HLv 467.3
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 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 a rescue would be attempted. Again, if the execution were not brought about at once, there would be a week’s delay on account of the Passover. This might defeat their plans. Should there be a week’s delay, a reaction would likely set in. The better part of the people would come forward with testimony in His vindication, bringing to light the mighty works He had done. The Sanhedrin’s proceedings would be condemned, and Jesus would be set free. The priests and rulers therefore determined that before their purpose could become known, Jesus should be delivered into the hands of the Romans.HLv 467.4
But first, an accusation was to be found. They had gained nothing as yet. Annas ordered Jesus to be taken to Caiaphas. Though wanting in force of character, Caiaphas was fully as heartless and unscrupulous as Annas. It was now early morning, and dark. By torches and lanterns the armed band with their prisoner proceeded to the high priest’s palace. While the Sanhedrin were coming together, Annas and Caiaphas again questioned Jesus, but without success.HLv 468.1
In the judgment hall Caiaphas took his seat as presiding officer. On either side were the judges and those specially interested in the trial. Roman soldiers were on the platform below the throne. At the foot of the throne stood Jesus. The excitement was intense. Of all the throng He alone was calm and serene.HLv 468.2
Caiaphas had regarded Jesus as his rival. The eagerness of the people to hear the Saviour 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, dignified bearing. A conviction came over him that this man was akin to God. The next instant he banished the thought, in haughty tones demanding that Jesus work one of His mighty miracles. But his words fell on the Saviour’s ears as though He heard them not. In the minds of that hardened multitude arose the question, Is this man of godlike presence to be condemned as a criminal?HLv 468.3
The enemies of Jesus were in perplexity. How to accomplish His condemnation they knew not. Caiaphas wished to avoid stirring up a contention. There were plenty of witnesses to prove that Christ had called the priests and scribes hypocrites and murderers, but this was not expedient to bring forward. Such testimony would have no weight with the Romans. There was abundant evidence that Jesus had spoken irreverently of many of the ordinances of the Jews. This evidence also would have no weight with the Romans. Christ’s enemies dared not accuse Him of Sabbathbreaking, lest an examination bring to light His miracles of healing.HLv 468.4
False witnesses had been bribed to accuse Jesus of seeking to establish a separate government. But their testimony proved to be vague and contradictory. Under examination they falsified their own statements.HLv 469.1
Early in His ministry Christ had said, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” He had thus foretold His own death and resurrection. “He spake of the temple of His body.” John 2:19, 21. Of all that Christ had said, the priests could find nothing to use against Him save this. The Romans had engaged in rebuilding and embellishing the temple, and they took great pride in it; any contempt shown it would excite their indignation. Here Romans and Jews could meet; for all held the temple in great veneration.HLv 469.2
One witness 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.’” If Christ’s words had been reported exactly as He spoke them, they would not have secured His condemnation even by the Sanhedrin. His declaration would only have indicated an unreasonable, boastful spirit, but not blasphemy. Even as misrepresented by false witnesses, His words contained nothing regarded by the Romans as a crime worthy of death.HLv 469.3
At last Jesus’ accusers were entangled, confused, and maddened. 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: “Answerest Thou nothing?” he exclaimed; “what is it which these witness against Thee?”HLv 469.4
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.HLv 469.5
At last, Caiaphas 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.”HLv 469.6
To this appeal Christ could not remain silent. 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. 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.HLv 470.1
Every eye was fixed on Jesus’ 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.” For a moment the high priest quailed before the penetrating eyes of the Saviour. Never in afterlife did he forget that searching glance of the persecuted Son of God.HLv 470.2
The thought that all would stand at the bar of God, to be rewarded according to their works, was a thought of terror to Caiaphas. There rushed before his mind the scenes of the final judgment. For a moment he saw the graves giving up their dead, with the secrets he had hoped were forever hidden. He felt as if the eternal Judge was reading his soul, bringing to light mysteries supposed to be hidden with the dead.HLv 470.3
Caiaphas had denied the resurrection, the judgment, and a future life. Now he was maddened by satanic fury. Rending his robe, he demanded that 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.HLv 470.4
Caiaphas was furious with himself for believing Christ’s words, and instead of rending his heart and confessing that Jesus was the Messiah, he rent his priestly robes in determined resistance. This act was deeply significant. Done to secure Christ’s condemnation, the high priest had condemned himself. By the law of God he was disqualified for the priesthood. He had pronounced on himself the death sentence.HLv 471.1
A high priest was not to rend his garments. By the Levitical law, under no circumstances was the priest to rend his robe. Express command had been given by Christ to Moses concerning this. See Leviticus 10:6. Finite man might rend his own heart by showing a contrite and humble spirit. 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 engage in the service of the sanctuary with a rent robe was looked on as having severed himself from God. This action exhibited by Caiaphas showed human passion, human imperfection.HLv 471.2
By rending his garments, Caiaphas made of no effect the law of God, to follow the traditions of men. A manmade 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. But in this act, he himself was committing blasphemy.HLv 471.3
When Caiaphas rent his garment, his act was significant of the place the Jewish nation would thereafter occupy toward God. 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 the high priest rend his robes in horror for himself and for the nation.HLv 471.4
The Sanhedrin had pronounced Jesus worthy of death, but it was contrary to 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, to be abused by the lowest of humankind. Through the open 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, “coming in the clouds of heaven,” were jeeringly repeated. While in the guardroom awaiting His legal trial, Jesus was not protected, and the ignorant rabble took license to manifest all the satanic elements of their nature. Christ’s godlike bearing goaded them to madness. Mercy and justice were trampled upon. Never was a criminal treated in so inhuman a manner as was the Son of God.HLv 472.1
But the blow that inflicted the deepest pain no enemy’s hand could have dealt. While He was undergoing the examination before Caiaphas, Christ had been denied by one of His own disciples.HLv 472.2
Peter and John had ventured to follow at a distance the mob that had Jesus in charge. The priests recognized John 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.HLv 472.3
In the court a fire had been kindled, for it was cold, being just before dawn. A company drew about the fire, and Peter presumptuously took his place with them. By mingling with the crowd, he hoped to be taken for one of those who had brought Jesus to the hall.HLv 472.4
But the woman who kept the door cast a searching glance on him. She marked the dejection on his face, and thought he might be a disciple of Jesus. Curious to know, she asked, “Art not thou also one of this Man’s disciples?” Peter was startled and confused; he pretended not to understand. But she was persistent. Peter felt compelled to answer, and said angrily, “Woman, I know Him not.” This was the first denial, and immediately the cock crowed. In assuming an air of indifference, Peter had become an easy prey to temptation.HLv 473.1
Attention was called to him the second time, and he was charged with being a follower of Jesus. Peter now declared with an oath, “I do not know the man.” Another hour passed, when 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.” At this Peter flew into a rage. In order fully to deceive his questioners and justify his assumed character, Peter now denied his Master with cursing and swearing. Again the cock crowed. Peter heard it, and remembered the words of Jesus, “Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny Me thrice.” Mark 14:30.HLv 473.2
While the degrading oaths were fresh upon Peter’s lips, and the shrill crowing of the cock was ringing in his ears, the Saviour turned 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 no anger.HLv 473.3
The sight of that suffering face, those quivering lips, pierced his heart like an arrow. Peter called to mind his promise of a few short hours before, when the Saviour told him he would deny his Lord thrice that same night. Peter now realized how accurately his Lord had read his heart, the falseness of which was unknown to himself.HLv 473.4
A tide of memories rushed over him. The Saviour’s long-suffering, His patience—all was remembered. He reflected with horror on his own falsehood, his perjury. Once more he saw a sacrilegious hand raised to smite his Master in the face. Unable longer to endure the scene, he rushed, heartbroken, from the hall.HLv 473.5
He pressed on in solitude and darkness, he knew not and cared not whither. At last he found himself in Gethsemane. He remembered with bitter remorse that Jesus had agonized in prayer alone. He remembered His solemn charge, “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation.” Matthew 26:41. It was torture to his bleeding heart to know that he had added the heaviest burden to the Saviour’s humiliation and grief. Peter fell on his face and wished that he might die.HLv 474.1
Had those hours in the garden been spent in watching and prayer, Peter would not have been left to depend on 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 on the cross. Amid the gloom of the most trying hour, hope would have lighted up the darkness and sustained their faith.HLv 474.2
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, but they could not condemn Him on this, for many had not been present at the night session and 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 His claim to the Messiahship, they might construe this into a seditious political claim.HLv 474.3
“Art Thou the Christ?” they said, “tell us.” But Christ remained silent. They continued to ply Him with questions. At last 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 He added the solemn warning, “Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God.”HLv 474.4
“Art Thou then the Son of God?” they asked. 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.”HLv 474.5
And Jesus was to die. All that was now necessary was for the Romans to ratify this condemnation.HLv 474.6
Then came the third scene of abuse, worse even than that received from the ignorant rabble. In the very presence of the priests and rulers, with their sanction this took place. When the condemnation of Jesus was pronounced by the judges, a satanic fury took possession of the people. The crowd made a rush toward Jesus. Had it not been for the Roman soldiers, He would not have lived to be nailed to the cross of Calvary. He would have been torn in pieces. Roman authority interposed, and by force of arms restrained the violence of the mob.HLv 475.1
Heathen men were angry at the brutal treatment of One against whom nothing had been proved. The Roman officers declared that it was against Jewish law to condemn a man to death on his own testimony. This brought a momentary lull in the proceedings; but the Jewish leaders were dead alike to pity and to shame.HLv 475.2
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 His proclaiming Himself the Messiah made Him deserving of the most ignominious death. 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?” One poor wretch spat in His face.HLv 475.3
Angels faithfully recorded every insulting look, word, and act against their beloved Commander. One day the base men who scorned the calm, pale face of Christ will look upon it in its glory, shining brighter than the sun.The Desire of Ages
Chapter 75—Before Annas and the Court of Caiaphas
DA 698.1
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.DA 698.2
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.DA 698.3
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.DA 699.1
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.”DA 699.2
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.DA 699.3
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.”DA 700.1
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?”DA 700.2
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.DA 700.3
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.DA 700.4
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.DA 700.5
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.DA 703.1
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.DA 703.2
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.DA 703.3
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.DA 704.1
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?DA 705.1
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.DA 705.2
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.DA 705.3
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.DA 706.1
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?”DA 706.2
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.DA 706.3
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.”DA 706.4
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.DA 707.1
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.”DA 707.2
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.DA 707.3
“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.DA 708.1
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.DA 708.2
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.DA 708.3
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.DA 708.4
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.DA 709.1
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.DA 709.2
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.DA 709.3
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.DA 709.4
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.DA 710.1
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.DA 710.2
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.DA 710.3
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.DA 710.4
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.DA 710.5
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!DA 711.1
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.DA 712.1
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.DA 712.2
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.DA 712.3
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.DA 712.4
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.DA 713.1
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.DA 713.2
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.DA 713.3
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.DA 713.4
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.DA 714.1
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.DA 714.2
“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.”DA 714.3
“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.”DA 714.4
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.DA 714.5
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.DA 715.1
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.DA 715.2
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.DA 715.3
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.DA 715.4
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.Matthew 26:42
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)
Ms 73, 1909
24LtMs, Ms 73, 1909, par. 23
Just before His crucifixion He took His disciples apart that they might pray with Him, that He and they might receive strength to endure. It was here in His agony in the garden of Gethsemane that the cup trembled in His hand. Should He drink it, and thus be separated from God? Should He take the sins of the world upon Him? The woes of a lost race rose up before Him, and He said, “Father, if this cup may not pass from Me, except I drink it, Thy will be done.” [Matthew 26:42.] Then a mighty angel from glory came to His side and strengthened Him to go through the awful trial.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 40, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 40, 1897, par. 15
He has to go through the full run of typhoid fever. The tobacco fumes must have made his case very much worse. He suffered very much in stomach and bowels. I sent Sara down to help Brother Semmens; but the case is so critical that he will not leave him to go any [place]; he watches over him, and works and prays for him himself. I believe that God will spare Herbert’s life, and not suffer him to do down into the grave. All we can say is, “Thy will be done.” [Matthew 26:42.] “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” [Psalm 116:15.] O that God would impart the wisdom that we all so much need.Matthew 26:46-64
Manuscript Releases, vol. 12 [Nos. 921-999]
MR No. 999—Christ as Sacrifice and High Priest
12MR 399.2
Our Substitute and Surety—[Matthew 26:62, 63, quoted.] According to the Jewish form of administration, Christ was placed on oath by the priest: “I adjure Thee by the living God, that Thou tell us whether Thou be the Christ, the Son of God.” This appeal was made by the first magistrate of the nation. He occupied a position higher than any in earthly courts. But his religion was a cloak that hid the deformities of a hard, cruel heart. He lorded it over the people, making his supposed godliness a source of gain. He was not accepted by God as a typical high priest at any time. His fitness for the priesthood ended with the covering garment, set apart for the use of the priests, which he wore. He was incapable and unworthy.12MR 400.2
To the charge of the high priest, Jesus said, “Thou hast said: 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” [Matthew 26:64]. These words were spoken with dignity and assurance. They fell from the lips of One whose Spirit went with the words. Christ, the only begotten Son of God, was the speaker, and His words came with ease, as if from the depths of a soul possessing the testimony to be given on earth. Divinity flashed through humanity, and like an arrow the conviction flashed into the hearts of the hearers that this Man spake as never man spake.12MR 407.2
Behold the Son of God suffering on the cross for three terrible hours of agony, enduring the penalty of the transgression of the law, that repentant, believing ones may have eternal life. In the darkest hour, when Christ was enduring the greatest suffering that Satan could bring to torture His humanity, His Father hid from Him His face of love, comfort, and pity. In this trial His heart broke. He cried, “My God, My God, why has Thou forsaken Me?” [Matthew 26:46].12MR 414.3
He who left the heavenly courts and clothed His divinity with humanity that He might secure the salvation of Israel, and that through them the light might shine to the world, was stigmatized by the highest authorities of the Jewish nation. Heathen rulers confederated with them to put the Redeemer to death. But Christ’s word to them is plain and irrevocable, “Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven” [Matthew 26:64].Matthew 26:47-50
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 185, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 185, 1901, par. 1
“While he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people.” [Matthew 26:47.]16LtMs, Ms 185, 1901, par. 6
“Friend, wherefore art thou come?” Christ asks in a voice tremulous with sorrow. “Betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?” [Matthew 26:50; Luke 22:48.] This touching appeal should have awakened the conscience of the deluded disciple, and broken his heart. But all sense of honor and tenderness seemed to have left Judas. Bold and defiant he stood before Christ, showing no signs of relenting. He had given himself up to the control of the enemy and now he has no power to escape from the snare.Matthew 26:48
A Call To Stand Apart
Chapter 9—Preparing to Die
CSA 34.3
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.The Desire of Ages
Chapter 76—Judas
DA 721.2
The false disciple acted his part in betraying Jesus. In the garden, when he said to the leaders of the mob, “Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is He: hold Him fast” (Matthew 26:48), he fully believed that Christ would escape out of their hands. Then if they should blame him, he could say, Did I not tell you to hold Him fast?From Heaven With Love
Judas’s Last Opportunity to Repent
HLv 479.5
In the garden, Judas said to the leaders of the mob, “Hold Him fast.” Matthew 26:48. He fully believed Christ would escape. Then if they blamed him, he could say, Did I not tell you to hold Him fast?Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 100, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 100, 1897, par. 3
It was in the power of Christ to deliver Himself. When He spoke the words, “I am he,” immediately angels surrounded Him, and that throng had all the evidence they could or would have that Christ was the power of God. [John 18:6.] When that murderous throng was sent reeling, catching the air as for support, and falling heavily to the ground, it would have been an easy matter for Christ to have kept them helpless and prostrate, and pass out of their midst unharmed. By the flashing forth of His brightness and glory He could have extinguished them. Judas expected this, for many a time Christ had escaped; and he said to His enemies, “Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and hold him fast.” [Matthew 26:48.]Matthew 26:48-55
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 93, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 93, 1897, par. 1
When Judas gave the precaution, “Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; hold him fast” [Matthew 26:48], he fully believed that Christ would manifest His power and escape out of their hands. Then when they would blame him, he could say, “Did I not tell you to hold him fast?” But Judas beheld the captors of Christ, acting upon his own words, binding him firmly that He should not escape or be rescued. And by their cords they caused Christ much pain.12LtMs, Ms 93, 1897, par. 2
The official dignity and restraint of the leading priests and elders did not withhold them from joining the responsible officials in their march to Gethsemane as if to take a culprit or a thief. Jesus turned to these dignitaries who so far had violated their office as to lead in a mob. With dignity He said, “You come out against me with swords and clubs, as you would against a robber or a thief. Day by day I sat teaching opening in the temple. You had every opportunity of laying hands on me, and you did nothing. The hour of darkness suited your purpose better; the night is better fitted for your work. This is your hour, and the power of darkness.” [Matthew 26:55; Luke 22:53.]Matthew 26:50-54
The Story of Jesus
Chapter 17—The Betrayal and Arrest
SJ 109.5
Jesus said to him, “Friend, wherefore art thou come?” Matthew 26:50. His voice trembled as He added, “Betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?” Luke 22:48.SJ 110.3
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? But how then shall the Scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?” Matthew 26:52-54. “The cup which My Father hath given Me, shall I not drink it?” John 18:11.EGW Writings — Ellen G. White. Ellen G. White Estate · all rights reserved
Matthew 26:36-56
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.”