Following the example set by the question-and-answer columns in the early Journals, when Mary Baker Eddy was Editor, this column will respond to general queries from Journal readers—such as the one below. It will generally not cover questions about how to interpret statements in Mrs. Eddy's writings. There's more information at the end of the column about how to submit questions.
Jesus spoke in bold and memorable ways. He was a teacher. He had to jolt people's thinking out of complacency and into an expectancy of the infinite possibilities of the Science he taught.
For example speaking about the power of faith, he didn't say, "Faith will be of some assistance to you," or "Faith will make your burden somewhat lighter." He said, "If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you" (Matt. 17:20). Since Jesus was speaking to his disciples, who did have faith, this was probably not a statement on the importance of having faith per se, but rather on the power of faith, no matter how little. What a strong way to make his point!
