The angel withdrew; the light faded away; Jesus was left standing, calm and self-possessed, with the bright beams of the moon upon his pale face, and still surrounded by prostrate, helpless men, while the disciples were too much amazed to utter a word. When the angel departed, the Roman soldiers started to their feet, and, with the priests and Judas, gathered about Christ as though ashamed of their weakness, and fearful that he would yet escape from their hands. Again the question was asked by the Redeemer, “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. In this hour of humiliation Christ’s thoughts were not for himself, but for his beloved disciples. He wished to save them from any farther trial of their strength. {3SP 103.1}

Englen drog bort; lyset forsvandt, og Jesus stod alene, rolig og fattet, medens månens klare stråler oplyste hans blege ansigt, og de hjælpeløse mænd endnu lå omkring ham på jorden, og disciplene var forbavsede, at de ikke kunne sige et ord. Da englen drog bort, stod de romerske soldater op og forsamlede sig tilligemed præsterne og Judas omkring Kristus, som om de skammede sig over deres svaghed og frygtede for, at han ville undfly fra deres hænder. Forløseren spurgte atter: "Hvem leder I efter?" "Jesus af Nazareth", svarede de. Da sagde Frelseren: "Jeg har sagt jer, at det er mig; når det altså er mig, I leder efter, så lad disse gå!" (8.vers) og han pegede på disciplene. I denne fornedrelsens time tænkte ikke Kristus på sig selv, men på sine elskede disciple. Han ønskede at fri dem fra en videre prøve af deres styrke.