Crushed With Guilt, Revisiting the Garden — November 26 [Description]Overview of the Passage:This passage contrasts John’s quiet loyalty with Peter’s fearful denial during Jesus’ trial. John stays close to Jesus without shame, while Peter, trying to blend in with the crowd, distances himself emotionally and spiritually. Peter denies Jesus three times, cursing to hide his identity. But when Jesus looks at him with sorrowful compassion, Peter is crushed with guilt. He flees in agony, later finding himself in Gethsemane—the same garden where Jesus had asked the disciples to watch and pray. There, Peter breaks down, remembering Jesus’ love, his own failure, and how he had trusted in himself rather than in God. The narrative then returns to Jesus’ trial, where He is mocked and condemned by religious leaders and a violent mob. Despite no guilt, Jesus endures brutal humiliation. Meanwhile, unseen by the world, angels record every moment. One day, those who mocked Him will see Him in divine glory. 365D 330

Spirit of Prophecy Reading 365D 330

The Desire of Ages pp.711-715: 365D 330.1

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. 365D 330.2

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. 365D 330.3

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. 365D 330.4

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. 365D 330.5

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. 365D 330.6