no high appreciation of Divine Science, and the great work of the Master, was not surprising, for how could such a sinner comprehend what the disciples did not fully understand? But even Herod did not believe Jesus to be the dead preacher come to life; and he simply answered, “John have I beheaded, but who is this?” and desired to see the new Teacher.
The disciples comprehended their Master better than did others; but they did not understand him wholly, or they would not have questioned him so often. Jesus patiently persisted in teaching and demonstrating the Truth of Being. His students saw this power heal the sick, cast out evil, raise the dead; but the Science of this wonderful work was not spiritually discerned, even by them, until after the crucifixion, when their immaculate Teacher stood before them, the victor over sickness, sin, and death.
Yearning to be understood, the Master repeated, “But whom say ye that I am?” This inquiry again meant, Who or what is it that is able to do the work, so mysterious to the popular mind? In his rejection of the answer already given, and his renewal of the question, it is plain that Jesus eschewed the opinion implied in their citation of the common report, that he was a necromancer, a spirit-raiser, or a medium.
Peter, with his usual impetuosity, replied for his brethren, and his reply expressed the great fact, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God;” that is, Thou art the Truth that heals mental and physical ailments. This assertion elicited from Jesus the benediction, “Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona, for flesh and blood have not revealed it to thee, but my Father who is
