Before Jesus left this earth through the spiritual experience known as the ascension, his works of healing were acknowledged by the people. This is especially noticeable during the latter days of his ministry. At the supper given to him in Bethany at the house of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead, many people thronged to see Lazarus. Again, the day after the supper, when he left Bethany for Jerusalem, the people greeted him as the King of Israel and strewed branches of palm trees in his path. Here indeed is to be found acknowledgment!
The Greeks who had come to worship at Jerusalem desired to see him also. On all sides there was a general recognition of his Messianic mission. Jesus realized this, for he said (John 12:23), "The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified." Today, as in Jesus' time, the Christ as understood in Christian Science is with us, performing the mighty works which characterized the first century of the Christian era. The sick are healed, the sinners are reformed, and the good news of God's kingdom is broadcast everywhere.
Why does not Christian Science receive instant and world-wide recognition:' The answer may be found in the Scriptures. At the time when Jesus was lauded and acknowledged by the people, the theologians and the Pharisees stood up to oppose his mission. Mary Baker Eddy defines the word Pharisee in the Glossary of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" thus (p. 592): "Corporeal and sensuous belief; self-righteousness; vanity; hypocrisy."
