Page:Jesus of Nazareth the story of His life simply told (1917).djvu/342

 "Rise," He said, "behold, he that will betray Me is at hand."

A band of soldiers and servants from the chief priests, with lanterns, torches and weapons, were coming stealthily into the Garden, led by a man who looked about here and there as if in search of someone. He had given the party a sign, saying: "Whomsoever I shall kiss, that is He; lay hold on Him and lead Him away carefully." And, going up to Jesus, he said:

"Hail, Rabbi!" and kissed Him.

Jesus said to him: "Friend, whereto art thou come? Judas, dost thou betray the Son of Man with a kiss?"

It was the last warning—a tender word, and a solemn one—and both thrown away.

Then, knowing all things that were to come upon Him, He went forward and said to the soldiers:

"Whom seek ye?"

They answered: "Jesus of Nazareth."

Jesus answered: "I am He."

As soon as He had said this they went backward—Judas, the soldiers, the priests—and fell on their faces before Him. He let them rise, and asked again:

"Whom seek ye?"

They answered: "Jesus of Nazareth."

Jesus answered: "I have told you that I am He; if, therefore, you seek Me, let these go their way."

He pointed to His disciples, and forbade the soldiers to touch them. Then His enemies came up and bound Him fast.

"Lord, shall we strike with the sword?" cried Peter.

And without waiting for an answer, he drew a sword he had with him, and striking one of the servants of the High-Priest, cut off his right ear.