In Christian Science the earnest student's spiritual apprehension is ever growing. He frequently finds new lessons in a Bible narrative which has long been familiar to him, such as the one which tells of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead.
One student gained an intimation of the limitless possibilities of spiritual unfoldment when she discerned the spiritual idea supporting Jesus' first command at the tomb of Lazarus, "Take ye away the stone." That which had seemed to be merely a material instruction became spiritual advice of the highest import to all who are seeking a demonstration of the power of the Christ. Since the stone may be regarded as a symbol of materiality, the command was interpreted to mean that the primary step in any undertaking is to lay aside the false concept of existence as material. Mrs. Eddy has expressed it thus (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 427): "The belief that existence is contingent on matter must be met and mastered by Science, before Life can be understood and harmony obtained."
When Jesus arrived in Bethany, he was shown the tomb wherein Lazarus lay. Knowing the supreme dominion of Christ, Truth, over material law, he could no doubt have brought Lazarus forth without rolling back the stone from the tomb. But as in the case of many other recorded healings, Jesus first made an active demand on those who were to receive the blessing. What he asked them to do was to take a simple human footstep, but their obedience would be an acknowledgment of his authority. It would indicate a willingness to give up cherished beliefs of time and decay. It would replace a passive attitude with a co-operative one, and would give proof of their faith that "the word of God is quick, and powerful." When they obeyed and removed the stone, "he that was dead came forth," at the command of the Master.
