In a certain garden, according to Scriptural record, the most momentous struggle of all time occurred, one that was to point the way of emergence for the whole human race from the suffering and tragedy of the will of the flesh to the spiritual freedom and fulfillment of the will of God. Desertion, betrayal, mockery, and the challenge of a frustrated mission were all squarely faced and overcome before their outward experiences transpired. So heavy and terrible was the weight of the world in this struggle that three ascending endeavors were made before spiritual supremacy was fully attained. Then at length, through surrender of human selfhood in the garden of Gethsemane, spiritual majesty, might, and dominion were demonstrated by the meekest but mightiest man who ever lived, even Christ Jesus.
The Master proved that the way of divine glory was one not of personal glorification, but of total self-renunciation. We are told in the Scriptures that Jesus fell on the ground and earnestly prayed three times: that if it were possible the cup might pass from him, nevertheless that God's will be done; then again he prayed that if it were not possible, still that God's will be done; finally, reiterating this willingness, he reached the sublime pinnacle of self-surrender and went forth from Gethsemane fully prepared to demonstrate the capacity of the divine nature to overcome the world. In "Unity of Good" (p. 58) Mary Baker Eddy writes: "The Master's sublime triumph over all mortal mentality was immortality's goal. He was too wise not to be willing to test the full compass of human woe, being 'in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.'"
Equipped with the power of Spirit, gained through total self-renunciation, the Master went directly to where the treacherous Judas and the soldiers were searching for him with lanterns, torches, and weapons, and revealed to them who he was, saying simply, "I am he." So powerful was the spiritual impact of Truth upon error that when Jesus thus met his foes, who were seeking to arrest him, we are told "they went backward, and fell to the ground." All the elements of human nature which the human mind of itself cannot overcome—the self-will, envy, and treachery that lie, cheat, and kill—were thrown backward to the ground. Animal magnetism had found nothing in Jesus to respond to it or to which it could attach itself. But, had he not first surrendered everything in Gethsemane that could be crucified or killed, think you that this great demonstrator of Love could have been victorious over the cross or could have risen from the tomb? No.
