The following words of Christ Jesus to his disciples, "Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations," are of special significance to students of Christian Science. It is most essential for them to gain a correct understanding of the word "temptation" as the Master used it, in order to work out their salvation as he did. It is also helpful to remember that he spoke these words at the end of his great career, after he had been "in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin."
Should the question here arise, What were the points on which Jesus was tempted or, as Webster defines the word, tested or tried? it can readily be answered by studying the Scriptural record of his life and works in the light which Christian Science throws upon them. Without this light, mankind in general cannot gain the full benefit of his teaching on the subject. This is largely because they limit the scope of the word "temptation" by applying it to sin alone. Men and women have continued to accept the false teaching of the schools, namely, that they have the God-given ability to resist and overcome the temptation to sin, but that they cannot exercise God-given dominion over disease and death. It remained for our beloved Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, to perceive the vitally important spiritual fact that dominion over all evil is demonstrable, and to bring it to the attention of suffering humanity. In our textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," she interprets the petition, "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil" (p. 17), "And God leadeth us not into temptation, but delivereth us from sin, disease, and death."
It must be obvious to all unprejudiced thinkers that this explanation of the word is in exact accordance with our Master's use of it. The history of his ministry, as recorded in the New Testament, shows clearly that he understood the claims of disease and death, as well as those of sin, to be but tests or trials of his understanding of God's ever-presence and all-power. He never yielded to the temptation to acknowledge as real any one of this triad of errors. He dismissed them instantly, well knowing that they were no part of God's creation. Since he is our Way-shower, we all must follow his example. Those who are obedient will find it a simple and sure way, as was proved in the following experience of a student of Christian Science.
