The more we learn of the wonderful lessons to be derived from studying the spiritual meaning of the Scriptures with the help of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy, the more cause have we for that gratitude which is expressed in good works; the more do we long, in fact, to come closer to the example of Christ Jesus, the Way-shower, in our daily demonstrations. To accomplish this we know full well that humility and obedience should be the watchwords of every Christian Scientist.
The events recorded in the sixth chapter of John's gospel afford a very wonderful example of the unhesitating obedience of Jesus to what he knew was the purpose of divine Love. Moreover, the glorious result of such obedience was abundantly manifested. The incidents referred to are supposed to have taken place at the beginning of the third year of his ministry, just about twelve months before the crucifixion. Practically the whole of the previous year, the second of his ministry, had been spent in Galilee making circuits of the province, healing and teaching, and raising the dead. His mighty works had roused the whole country; and the expectations of the people concerning the fulfillment of national prophecy were being thoroughly awakened. The scribes and Pharisees, unwilling to face the truth, plotted and planned and made every attempt to bar the path of this deeply compassionate friend of the sick and sinning and sorrowful. After these two years of ceaseless activity, and when he knew the opposition on the part of the rulers of the Jews was greatly on the increase, the Feast of the Passover being near, Jesus retired one day with his disciples "over the sea of Galilee...and went up into a mountain." It seems, from a perusal of the first verses of the chapter, as if he led them there, seeking peace and quiet, in order that they might be refreshed with more of truth, with new spiritual ideas of God. But multitudes of men followed them even into this place apart, bringing their sick and the women and the children with them. When Jesus beheld the crowds that had come such a distance with no possibility of obtaining food in the ordinary way his heart was filled with compassion. He knew that they must have come to learn more of this great and wondrous truth which was to set them free. So filled was he with divine power, through his desire to bless, that not only were their sick and sinning healed, but he was able to provide food for the entire company by multiplying a few loaves and fishes. Through his unfaltering appeal to spiritual law, he proved the power of God to supply all human needs.
It is easy to imagine that, at the time, this event seemed even more miraculous than the healing of their sick. Here was their daily food actually multiplied in an unlimited manner before their eyes, "without money and without price." The wonder of the disciples, even, reached a climax; and they began to exclaim, "This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world." The popular thought also linked up prophecy with fact, and would have taken Jesus back into Galilee to make him a king. It seemed just the right moment, with the feast of the Jews at hand!
