Article January 1, 1966 ISSUE

WORDS OF CURRENT INTEREST

[The words in this issue are related to the Lesson-Sermon in the Christian Science Quarterly designated to be read in Christian Science churches on January 9, 1966.]

Every word of God is pure (Prov. 30:5)

The Hebrew word which the English adjective "pure" represents is a verb meaning "melt, refine." It carries always the figure of molten metal with the impurities burned away. Smith uses the word "tested"; but the Revised Standard Version reads, "Every word of God proves true."

Imposition

(im'po-zish'un—first and second i as in is, o as in connect, u as in circus). An excessive, unwarranted, or uncalled-for requirement or burden.

Began to wash the disciples' Feet (John 13:5)

In the time of Jesus it was customary for people at a feast to recline on couches beside a table as they ate. Before the meal began, a servant would come behind the couches and wash the guests' feet. At the Last Supper, the disciples evidently would not perform a servant's task; but Jesus left the table and washed their feet. He thereby taught his followers a lesson in true humility.

Piety

(Pi'e-ty—i as in ice, e as in silent, y as in sleepy). Dutifulness in religion; habitual reverence for God; devoutness.

Implicit

(im-plis'it—first, second, and third i as in is). Capable of being understood from something else though unexpressed; capable of being inferred; involved in the nature or essence of something though not revealed, expressed, or developed: potential; not appearing overtly; unquestioning; wholehearted.

As he was wont (Luke 22:39)

"Wont" means "accustomed, used." The Mount of Olives was a hill near Jerusalem, and the Garden of Gethsemane was at or near the foot of this hill. This garden was a favorite resort of the Master.

Judas... drew near unto Jesus to kiss him (Luke 22:47)

In the Orient a kiss was a common salutation between persons of the same sex. In the time of Jesus, a guest invited to a house expected a kiss of welcome from his host. A kiss was therefore an expression of respect or affection. The baseness of Judas' treachery was greater because he not only betrayed his Master but did so by means of a kiss.

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