Article March 4, 1916 Issue

"He that is greatest"

CASSIUS M. LOOMIS

The deep, almost unspeakable teachings of our Master could not well have found utterance in the vocabulary of the learned doctors of early Christian times. It would be hard to imagine what the Sermon on the Mount would have been like if put forth according to the ritualistic oratory of Cæsar's court executors. It is a matter of great moment that the simplest concepts since history began have endured the longest. With the patience, yea, the fortitude of one sent from God, Jesus spoke in words so simple that they instantly moved the mighty either to mortal discomfort or open combat.

To that momentous question of Jesus' disciples, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" his reply came with a readiness that caused his hearers to marvel. Beckoning a little child to him he said, "Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." As much as to say, "Getting into heaven at all depends upon a sense of humility and sinlessness equal to that of a babe, let alone the matter of being 'greatest'." His avowal, however, needed a further context. Even while his words were burning in their ears, and as if to give emphasis to his meaning, he said, "Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven,"—an attainment far removed from the pride of worldly power or doctrinal contests.

When we have grown to an understanding of the term heaven, these humble sayings of Jesus evince incalculable depths. On page 587 of Science and Health we find this definition of heaven: "Harmony; the reign of spirit; government by divine Principle; spirituality; bliss; the atmosphere of Soul." Mark the conditions imposed upon mankind by the world's most patient and loving taskmaster. All true worshipers of God, he said, must "become as little children" before their coveted inheritance can be realized. Do not these words, primitive in their utterance and cogent with meaning, overshadow the most learned controversies of scholastic research? What characterizes the innocent lispings of childhood? A perfect trust, a responsive, abiding love that never questions, and a guileless cleaving to parental care in every emergency or experience. To achieve true greatness by means so simple—has the world of boasted mastery heeded this summons, spoken in our behalf on the shores of Galilee?

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