"And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me." These words of Jesus', as recorded in John's Gospel (12: 32), spoken in reference to his forthcoming victory in the demonstration of eternal life, are meaningful and far reaching when viewed from the standpoint of Christian Science.

The exalted thought which Jesus steadfastly maintained throughout his three-year mission of healing not only brought about his own success, but was made manifest in the spiritual, moral, and physical regeneration of his faithful followers. Christ Jesus often used the word "I" in reference to his spiritual selfhood, his real identity, the Christ. He was referring to the Christ, his real selfhood, when he said (John 10: 30), "I and my Father are one." Even as he knew himself to be the Son of God, so he understood all true ideas to be at one with the Father. His thought embraced the understanding that man, in God's likeness, is already "lifted up."

Mary Baker Eddy in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures." describing the healing method employed by the Master, writes (pp. 476, 477): "Jesus beheld in Science the perfect man, who appeared to him where sinning mortal man appears to mortals. In this perfect man the Saviour saw God's own likeness, and this correct view of man healed the sick."This uplifted consciousness which Jesus expressed is the true status of man, in whom the reign and oneness of perfection are recognized here and now.

How important it is to follow Jesus' example and lift our thought of man to the high point of perfection. Jesus' constant recognition of his sonship with God precluded any contamination by mortal thought. As a teacher he was desirous that his disciples understand his spiritual selfhood, rather than follow him blindly as a human personality. He guided their thought again and again to his Father. It was not personal attraction which Jesus referred to when he used the words, "I... will draw all men unto me," but he spoke of the attraction of the Christ, the spiritual idea which replaces all misconceptions of mortal belief with the truth of being. Mrs. Eddy in Science and Health says (p. 95), "Material sense does not unfold the facts of existence: but spiritual sense lifts human consciousness into eternal Truth."

Jesus often went up into a mountain to pray. His great exposition of moral and spiritual truths is called the Sermon on the Mount. As one's ascending thought finds its permanent and natural relation to God, one realizes that true consciousness is the Christ-consciousness. He also learns that in Science his neighbor reflects the one divine consciousness.

The Bible refers to Deity as the Most High. It is written (Isa. 33: 10), "Now will I rise, saith the Lord; now will I be exalted; now will I lift up myself." What a joy to know that God has established Himself as the Highest, the All-in-all, and that man manifests His dominion and allness!

Recently a student of Christian Science experienced proof of the uplifting power of the Christ in purifying thought. She had requested a transfer to another position which promised greater opportunity for service and satisfaction. When the change was finally made, she found that conditions had been somewhat misrepresented and that the work was unusually exacting. After several months she felt a strong desire to return to the previous position. Weariness had not been fully over-come, and there was a sense of frustration because of a heavy program, new buildings, lack of equipment, and few materials with which to work.

Humbly seeking guidance before starting out one morning, the student opened the Bible to the words which Jesus spoke to his dismayed disciples in the ship (Matt. 14:27), "Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid."All doubt left immediately. She saw that the Christ is always available to encourage and to strengthen, no matter what the mortal illusion may seem to be. She was impelled to go forward. As the result of study, a clearer realization of the Christ-presence as spiritual strength and power unfolded. Because of this uplifted thought, many barriers were cleared away, and a feeling of buoyancy took the place of a false sense of responsibility. Soon a joyous, loving, and cordial atmosphere was established. The belief of the conflict of many minds was met through the affirmation that there is but one Mind and that one God —infinite, perfect Love.

Further proof of the healing was apparent when the student, on several occasions, was commended on the progress of her department. The demonstration of the Christ-power in individual experience was recognized as far reaching in the establishment of harmony, order, beauty, and right activity.

While Jesus spoke to large groups of people who gathered to hear his words and to witness the healing power of Truth, he also talked individually to those who had specific problems. He showed Martha, who was cumbered about much material serving, that Mary had chosen the better way. To the rich young man, Jesus pointed out that his material wealth was a restriction to spiritual growth. Thomas was given needed counsel, for he had doubted the truth of the resurrection. Peter was admonished, encouraged, and directed. The woman of Samaria at the well received a rich lesson on the subject of eternal Life, and then she was told the great truth that God is Spirit. What more could we ask in proof of Jesus' regard for individual worth? At the time of the crucifixion, he gave comfort and encouragement to the malefactor on the cross beside him. He entrusted the care of his mother to the beloved John. From consideration of the foregoing one gains a recognition of the demonstration of the uplifting power of God, Truth, Life, and Love, in the life of Christ Jesus.

Christian Science teaches that Truth is for all, here and now. When the angel thought, the inspiration, comes, "It is I," and heed is given to these words, the Christ operates in human consciousness with healing power, proving that the Comforter is here. Spiritual consciousness is irresistibly unfolded as man's real identity, and man is seen as "lifted up"—one with the Father.