Article July 25, 1914 Issue

Christian Consideration

KATE HASSELL

Throughout all history, sacred and profane, there are many instances of a type of courteous consideration which has become a part of exalted consciousness and an active force in the unfoldment of humanity. Of these, none is more dramatic than the account given of an incident in the life of Jesus which is recorded in the twenty-second chapter of Luke. The story reads:—

"And while he [Jesus] yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him. But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss? When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword? And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear. And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him."

The simplicity of this story is quite marvelous. Who has ever read it without enkindling emotion? Even the most callous would feel a quickening of the spirit; and yet its hold on the Christian Scientist is not because of its dramatic effect, but because it clearly demonstrates Jesus' method in dealing with the enemy, in contrast with that of his would-be disciple, Peter. Jesus' method is direct and instant in results. In this respect it is identical with that of Peter as shown in the story. Some one had asked, "Lord, shall we smite with the sword?" and before Jesus could reply, Peter had cut off the servant's ear. Jesus, on the other hand, apparently unconscious of the servant's mishap, first answered the question put to him, then without a word to the wounded man, healed him.

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