When Jesus was brought before Pontius Pilate, the governor, for sentence, his plight indeed seemed to be a desperate and unenviable one. Since he had already been examined and condemned by Caiaphas, the high priest, and the elders, it would have seemed that only by a very forceful and convincing defense could Jesus hope to save himself. Here, too, was opportunity to expose the errors of the carnal mind which were motivating his persecutors: pride, envy, cruelty, and sensuality. Here was opportunity to cite the many good works he had performed, to preach a sermon, even, to those who certainly needed it most.
The Gospel of Matthew (27:11–14) tells us in a few poignant sentences what actually took place at that climactic moment: "And Jesus stood before the governor: ... and when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing. Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee? And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly."
To the student of Christian Science, this aspect of the trial of Christ Jesus is a guiding light. Most of us have become familiar with the so-called "self" family. Its members are varied and decidedly unpleasant. Among them are self-pity, self-love, self-righteousness, self-condemnation, self-will, self-justification, and selfishness. Certainly not a very worthy family. Mary Baker Eddy, in listing the qualities of the lowest state of mortal mind, "depravity," on page 115 of the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," includes self-justification.
