How can we be "insensible" to the claim of error, as Mary Baker Eddy instructed, and still have compassion? Jesus had to sense the error in thought in order to heal it, did he not?—A READER IN VERMONT, US
A1 Although Jesus was known for his compassion, the Scriptures relate that he sometimes fired off seemingly impossible, yet imperative demands: "Rise, take up thy bed, and walk" (John 5:8) or "Stretch forth thy hand" (Luke 6:10). Was he uncaring or "insensible" when, after meeting the grieving parents whose young daughter had just passed away, he remarked unexpectedly, "She is not dead, but sleepeth" (Luke 8:52)? While some scorned his response, others waited to see what would happen. He often taught valuable lessons along with his healing works, and he did so in this case.
Jesus knew that man was the offspring of Spirit, not matter. This enabled him to shut out the material thoughts that were clamoring for control in the situation of the young girl. Realizing that no one can ever be separated from their divine source of being, Jesus restored the girl to her parents, healthy and whole.
