Editorial May 19, 1951 Issue

"AS ONE HAVING AUTHORITY"

Richard J. Davis

One of the Biblical misconceptions that have persisted through the years deals with the character of the man Jesus. It has sometimes been implied or assumed, perhaps because of the great love and tenderness which he expressed and demonstrated, that he may have been of an unduly mild and gentle demeanor. The impression is sometimes given that he lacked virility and strength. But there are many incidents related in the Bible which show that this was not the case. On the contrary, we have Scriptural evidence that Christ Jesus was a man divinely endowed with great spiritual power and the ability to make that power effective. Indeed, he was by virtue of his mission constantly faced with the necessity of demonstrating courage and complete fearlessness.

When he taught in the synagogue, he spoke with the conviction and assurance of one who knew definitely that he possessed divine understanding and the power to demonstrate it. Confronted even as he spoke by a man possessed with an unclean spirit, Jesus rebuked the error, or evil obsession, and cast it out; and the Bible declares (Mark 1:27), "They were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him."

Referring to Christ Jesus' ability to forcefully and authoritatively face and destroy evil, Mary Baker Eddy writes in her textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (pp. 6, 7): "It is believed by many that a certain magistrate, who lived in the time of Jesus, left this record: 'His rebuke is fearful.' The strong language of our Master confirms this description." And she continues: "The only civil sentence which he had for error was, 'Get thee behind me, Satan.' Still stronger evidence that Jesus' reproof was pointed and pungent is found in his own words, —showing the necessity for such forcible utterance, when he cast out devils and healed the sick and sinning."

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