In difficult times, I’ve been deeply encouraged when I remember the example our Way-shower, Christ Jesus, gave us when he faced the supreme challenge of his ministry as his crucifixion approached. After his agony in the garden of Gethsemane, and his prayer, “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me” (Matthew 26:39), Jesus’ meek acceptance of what he needed to do and his demeanor during the last supper is hugely significant. He knew the spiritual truth he lived, taught, and demonstrated for humanity’s salvation would triumph.
Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, sheds light on the whole experience in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures: “For this truth of spiritual being, their Master was about to suffer violence and drain to the dregs his cup of sorrow. He must leave them. With the great glory of an everlasting victory overshadowing him, he gave thanks and said, ‘Drink ye all of it.’ ” The page continues, “When the human element in him struggled with the divine, our great Teacher said: ‘Not my will, but Thine, be done!’—that is, Let not the flesh, but the Spirit, be represented in me” (p. 33).
Nothing caused Jesus to lose sight of his true selfhood, the Christ, or his God-appointed healing mission. Seeing his supreme victory over evil, we can take courage and trust the truth he taught. Knowing ourselves to be dear children of God, divine Love, we are healed through the divine influence of the Christ, and are able to press humbly on to victory over the material senses. Science and Health says this: “Christ, as the spiritual or true idea of God, comes now as of old, preaching the gospel to the poor, healing the sick, and casting out evils” (p. 347). Feeling assured that the Christ is always at work establishes such a gentle sense of calm and comfort, outweighing and defeating suggestions of fear, dread, and foreboding.
