IN THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE BIBLE LESSON March 17, 2008 Issue

A weekly column in which writers discuss Bible passages that appear in the Christian Science Bible Lessons.

'HE IS RISEN!'

KATHY FITZER

IMAGINE HEARING THE MESSAGE for the first time: "He is risen!" The crucifixion was so convincing, yet how deceiving the physical senses can be. Jesus proved that his life was not in matter to be destroyed. The question is: What can be learned today from Jesus' experience? This week, the Christian Science Bible Lesson on "Matter" provides a wonderful resource for seeing how the risen Christ is always present in our lives.

Jesus knew he was the Son of God. He knew he had truly come "from above" and was inseparable from Spirit. But knowing that did not prevent him from having to deal with the things of the flesh.

After the last supper, Jesus retreated to the garden of Gethsemane with his disciples, as Section II in this lesson explains. He knew the challenges that lay before them, and knew the necessity of remaining alert. While Jesus struggled, his disciples slept, and he plunged ahead alone. Even though he asked to have the cup of suffering taken from him, he ultimately surrendered.