JESUS once asked the Pharisees, who often questioned him,—not in order to learn the truth, but that they might find something by which to condemn him,— "What think ye of Christ? whose son is he?" Pharisaism cannot discern the Christ, and because of their self-righteousness and hypocrisy it was impossible for them to comprehend the true origin of him who was indeed the Son of God, and when, tracing the belief of human origin, they replied that he was "the son of David," they lost sight of the grand truth that God is the only Father, and that man proceeds from God. Peter, in his reply to Jesus' question, "Whom say ye that I am?" gave a truer, more spiritual answer than that of the Pharisees, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God."
In the materiality of that age it was not an easy matter to teach the truths of Spirit to sense-enwrapped men, who had ears but did not hear, and eyes that perceived not. Jesus had labored long and patiently to awaken the dull comprehension of his loved disciples to the true concept of his origin and his mission, for only as this was understood by them, could he make them his messengers of Truth to the world,—his light-bearers reflecting to darkened hearts the light of Love; and when impetuous Peter, so often impulsive and rash, yet with a nature open to good, made this strong declaration of Truth, can we not recognize the gladness that Jesus felt, and do we not hear in every word the ring of joy, as he quickly responded, "Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven." And then with deep emphasis he adds, "Upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."
We are continually forming concepts. Often they are erroneous. But while we. are desiring Truth, and are willing to give up our human opinions, which too often are the offspring of self-will and pride, our concepts become better, and gradually come nearer the truth. When we turn away from the human sense of self, see it as false and not worthy to be held in thought; when in loving meekness we become as little children, and are willing to give up all that can hinder our growth in good, we shall find the divine Teacher with us; we shall be conscious of the presence of the promised Guide, who is to lead us into all Truth, and we shall awaken to a purer, truer concept of the Christ-Comforter: a concept which shall broaden and lengthen into perfection, until we know God aright, and Jesus Christ whom He has sent, and gain our inheritance of "life eternal."
