Article January 1, 1977 ISSUE

Words of Current Interest

Related to the Lesson-Sermon for January 9, 1977, in the CHRISTIAN SCIENCE QUARTERLY Subject: Sacrament

As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger.... The voice of one crying in the wilderness (Mark 1:2, 3)

The author quotes two Old Testament prophets. The first statement is from Mai. 3:1, while the second is from Isa. 40:3.

Art thou he that should come? (Luke 7:19)

John's inquiry is based on popular Jewish expectation, preserved in the canonical Old Testament and in other ancient Jewish literature. The anticipated leader, who would establish justice and prosperity for Israel, was variously described. Often emphasized was his Davidic ancestry, as well as his more than human power and authority to judge, vindicate, and heal (see v. 22).

Blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me (Luke 7:23)

The Greek verb translated "be offended," which also appears in Matt. 26:31, is the ancestor of the English word "scandal." According to Arndt and Gingrich, it includes the sense of falling away from faith, becoming disloyal.

My blood of the new testament (Matt. 26:28)

The word translated "testament" means more basically "covenant." Some have seen Jesus' statement as reflecting Jeremiah's promise of a new covenant for Israel (see Ter. 31: 31-34).

In the morning the chief priests held a consultation with...the whole council (Mark 15:1)

The Sanhedrin was the Jewish legislature and high court, consisting at this period of Pharisees as well as priestly Sadducees and presided over by the high priest. One of its rules forbade the pronouncement of a death sentence after nightfall. While the Sanhedrin could condemn someone to death, it is most likely that only Rome was permitted to carry out the sentence; hence Jesus was taken to the Roman magistrate, Pontius Pilate.

The veil of the temple was rent in twain (Mark 15:38)

A veil separated the Holy of Holies from other parts of the temple. Only the high priest was allowed to enter this inmost shrine where the presence of God was thought to dwell.

The Lesson-Sermons contain Bible references (King James Version) and correlative passages from "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy.

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