Article September 4, 1915 Issue

Our Mission

WILLIAM B. HARRISON

That memorable scene in the judgment hall which is depicted in the eighteenth chapter of John's gospel, is of vital interest to every disciple of the Master. Without the palace of the high priest an angry, irresponsible rabble clamored for a quick decision that would permit them to satiate their mad passions; within the temporary representative of Roman authority stood face to face with the earthly representative of spiritual power.

It is probable that Pilate intended to examine Jesus after the haughty manner of Roman rulers, but he found himself overwhelmed in the Master's presence. As the interview proceeded, the calm, fearless, and conscious superiority of the accused caused Pilate to tremble, and he would gladly have closed the scene had not the clamorous crowd persistently increased its demands. Hesitating not to rebuke Pilate for asserting that as procurator he was possessed of power to decide his fate, Jesus spoke of a spiritual kingdom whence all power emanates. Pilate, perhaps thinking the answer to the question he was about to propound would bring Jesus within the pale of the Roman law, asked, "Art thou a king then?" To this question the Master replied, "To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth."

Jesus was the Wayshower, hence his followers must endeavor to walk in his footsteps. When he answered Pilate in those few words, giving his own purpose and mission, he outlined distinctly and definitely the real purpose and mission of every human being. It is the duty and privilege of every Christian who understands the Master's teachings—and we are not really Christians until we do understand those teachings in some degree—to bear witness to the truth; and that should be each one's aim, hourly and continually. Personal ambition, self-seeking, the pursuit of material pleasures and possessions, can have no place in the life of a true Christian Scientist. Each endeavor must be subordinated to and in line with the demonstration of the might of right; it must be the seeking of God's kingdom first, as Jesus commanded.

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Opening the Way
September 4, 1915
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