The Gospel contains 114 sayings -- due to the limitations of this site the Commentary will be published in two sections -- the first will contain verses 1-66, the second verses 67-114.
Gospel text (copyright applies) translated by Stephen Patterson and Marvin Meyer.
These are the secret sayings that the living Jesus spoke and Didymos Judas Thomas recorded.
1. And he said, "Whoever discovers the interpretation of these sayings will not taste death."
Thereader is challenged to determine from a process of discovery themeaning of these sayings. It should be noted that this is not apassive process; we are encouraged to actively pursue the meaningbehind these sayings utilising the faculties we all possess. Perhapsthis method also alerts us to the dangers of a simplistic literalreading of any Scriptural text or possibly the dangers of a passiveapproach to Christianity. Of all the God-men, Jesus in the social,intellectual and spiritual spheres was the activist extraordinaire –cowardice finds no home in the Christianity of Jesus.
Nothingless than the promise of ‘immortality’ (given by Jesus) for thosesuccessful in arriving at the meaning of the sayings. Perhaps the realmeaning of Jesus’ ‘death’ and ‘resurrection’ (transformation) may alsobe understood as a result of discovering the meaning of this long lostGospel.
[Itdoes not pass without notice that the very first verse dispenses withthe notion that an intermediary authority (church or organisedreligion) is required to discover Truth!]
2. Jesus said, "Those who seek should not stop seeking until they find.When they find, they will be disturbed. When they are disturbed, theywill marvel, and will reign over all. [And after they have reigned theywill rest.]"
Weare urged to endure to the end; we are also guaranteed that those whodo not waver in their pursuit will find that which they seek. Thatwhich is found will have a profound impact on the seeker, which will beabove all that was previously known and anticipated. The newmutated/transformed mind rises to heights not previously conceived. After incorporating the experience into Being, the seeker findsrest/repose – the quietude that is only experienced after the discoveryof sublime Peace.
3. Jesus said, "If your leaders say to you, 'Look, the (Father's)kingdom is in the sky,' then the birds of the sky will precede you. Ifthey say to you, 'It is in the sea,' then the fish will precede you.Rather, the (Father's) kingdom is within you and it is outside you.
Thisrefers to the multitude of religious teachers, philosophers, clericsetc., who would show you the ‘way’ – it also refers to various methods,practices and formulas that would reveal Truth or Godhead. It isclearly stated that the ultimate Truth or reality is within/without –one is already in possession of that which is sought – notwithstandingthat it must be discovered.
When you know yourselves, then you will be known, and you willunderstand that you are children of the living Father. But if you donot know yourselves, then you live in poverty, and you are the poverty."
Ifyou would know God then know yourself – if you know yourself you willknow from where you originated (from the source and sustainer of Alllife). However, if you would adopt a teaching or religion or othersubstitute for the living reality that is God then poverty is yourprize – you become that ‘poverty’, and how profound is that sense ofloss. The sub-text clearly indicates that those who follow anyorganised teaching are lost.
4. Jesus said, "The person old in days won't hesitate to ask a littlechild seven days old about the place of life, and that person will live.
Howdoes an old person ‘ask’ a seven-day-old (who does not have language)about the ‘location’ of Life/God? By direct apprehension that’s how! The benefits of an unfettered consciousness may also be indicated!
For many of the first will be last, and will become a single one."
Distinctionsand divisions melt under the clear perception of an unfetteredconsciousness – God is ONE and by implication so is everything else. The distinctions of ‘first and last’ are erased in the Unity that isTruth.
5. Jesus said, "Know what is in front of your face, and what is hidden from you will be disclosed to you.
Jesusrefers to himself as the Light of the world and our lives; he alsorefers to the immanent nature of what his being represents. Truth isalways immanent and available to those who would overcome theirlimitations/fears. That which appears mysterious and secret is anillusion as the Truth is immediately available. Perhaps a cautionagainst the mystery schools that pervaded the social context of thetime. But the broader meaning is clear, the Truth is ever under ournoses!
For there is nothing hidden that will not be revealed. [And there is nothing buried that will not be raised.]"
6. His disciples asked him and said to him, "Do you want us to fast?How should we pray? Should we give to charity? What diet should weobserve?"
Jesus said, "Don't lie, and don't do what you hate, because all thingsare disclosed before heaven. After all, there is nothing hidden thatwill not be revealed, and there is nothing covered up that will remainundisclosed."
Thereis no greater delusion than self-delusion and no greater folly than tobelieve that delusion as real. A call to personal integrity andhonesty. In the face of a direct question regarding regulatory codesand behaviours, Jesus responds with a call to be true to ourselves – ahuge departure from Judaic and Pauline doctrines.
7. Jesus said, "Lucky is the lion that the human will eat, so that thelion becomes human. And foul is the human that the lion will eat, andthe lion still will become human."
Anextremely difficult and obscure riddle made all the more difficulttaken out of its social and historical context of two millennia past. However, as with all riddles, our attention is drawn to the fact thatthe answer is not in the text; the text is simply the trigger of aninternal process of discovery. As so often occurs with Scripturepeople and ‘authorities’ cite it in an authoritarian attempt to justifythemselves or their personal beliefs, whereas all text is liable tointerpretation. Utilising the device of the riddle would also indicatethat text is secondary to understanding, which is a living function! Do not use Scripture to abuse children or justify a personal (orshared) worldview. The primary purpose of Scripture is to indicate Godor the Living Truth. If you wish to be a social regulator then workfor the State.
8. And he said, "The person is like a wise fisherman who cast his netinto the sea and drew it up from the sea full of little fish. Amongthem the wise fisherman discovered a fine large fish. He threw all thelittle fish back into the sea, and easily chose the large fish. Anyonehere with two good ears had better listen!"
Oneselects the exceptional (without difficulty) from the multitude ofofferings. The one Truth is complete; nothing else is required. Whenit is discovered we dispense with all our ‘precious’ little notions andcling to the one, life-saving Truth.
9. Jesus said, "Look, the sower went out, took a handful (of seeds),and scattered (them). Some fell on the road, and the birds came andgathered them. Others fell on rock, and they didn't take root in thesoil and didn't produce heads of grain. Others fell on thorns, and theychoked the seeds and worms ate them. And others fell on good soil, andit produced a good crop: it yielded sixty per measure and one hundredtwenty per measure."
Similar parable in the NT, which has been accurately dealt with.
10. Jesus said, "I have cast fire upon the world, and look, I'm guarding it until it blazes."
Itshould not be forgotten that Jesus was a social reformer and activist,he clearly anticipated that his teaching would ‘consume’ that which itencountered (ignorance and hierarchical social structures). However,it would appear that the “fire” has decreased to a small flame in thepresent age of cringing cowards. The imperative of Christianity is tolove God and humanity – without exception! If the full implications ofthat statement are understood, so too is the requirement of bravery.
11. Jesus said, "This heaven will pass away, and the one above it will pass away.
The dead are not alive, and the living will not die. During the dayswhen you ate what is dead, you made it come alive. When you are in thelight, what will you do? On the day when you were one, you became two.But when you become two, what will you do?"
Anotherextremely difficult riddle; we are questioned regarding theimpermanence or transitory nature of existence and the dichotomies oflife/death, monism/dualism etc. It would seem that we are beingreminded of our origination (the ONE living creative principle) wherewe shared in the creation and made what is inert live! Attention isdrawn to our divided consciousness (dualistic/pluralistic) in thisworld of phenomenological existence; yet we are reminded of ourpristine previous state and questioned regarding our present options. Would we remain divided both socially and psychologically or regain ourprevious glory in monistic Unity? This verse is a call to remembrance!
12. The disciples said to Jesus, "We know that you are going to leave us. Who will be our leader?"
Jesus said to them, "No matter where you are you are to go to James the Just, for whose sake heaven and earth came into being."
Thisis interesting from a historical perspective. This verse challengesthe notion created by the Nicean group that Peter was head of the early‘church’. We can see why the Nicean group went to great lengths toeliminate other early Christian groups. In their zeal they alsodestroyed over two hundred gospels and numerous other Christianwritings. Ample evidence still exists today in the Canon to suggestthat James was indeed the leader after the death of Jesus. It shouldbe borne in mind that today’s Canon is the result of politicalintervention. Which of the gospels was divinely inspired? The fouredited versions we have today or some of the (destroyed) hundreds thatdidn’t suite the political interests of emperors and otherpoliticians? Fortunately for future generations, this gospel found asafe haven in Africa and escaped the ravages of European politicalzealots.
13. Jesus said to his disciples, "Compare me to something and tell me what I am like."
Simon Peter said to him, "You are like a just messenger."
Matthew said to him, "You are like a wise philosopher."
Thomas said to him, "Teacher, my mouth is utterly unable to say what you are like."
Jesus said, "I am not your teacher. Because you have drunk, you havebecome intoxicated from the bubbling spring that I have tended."
And he took him, and withdrew, and spoke three sayings to him. WhenThomas came back to his friends they asked him, "What did Jesus say toyou?"
Thomas said to them, "If I tell you one of the sayings he spoke to me,you will pick up rocks and stone me, and fire will come from the rocksand devour you."
Asimple test by Jesus to gauge the spiritual development of hisdisciples. Infinite glory cannot be captured by language, it must beexperienced – when the mouth is unable to utter a description, it wouldindicate to the master that greater understanding has been achieved orthat one of his disciples had been lobotomised! The fire/rocks are fordramatic effect. Also, Thomas was not called the ‘twin’ for nothing!
14. Jesus said to them, "If you fast, you will bring sin uponyourselves, and if you pray, you will be condemned, and if you give tocharity, you will harm your spirits.
Thisappears to contradict Christian dictates; however, if we do not forgetwe are being challenged to discover the meaning then it becomes evidentthat it refers to ritual practice and identifiable, habitualbehaviours. Ritual and showmanship is not the knowledge of God.
When you go into any region and walk about in the countryside, whenpeople take you in, eat what they serve you and heal the sick amongthem.
Againwe are to help those in need and not conform to ritual practice orregulatory behaviours that would create a posture or false appearance. Integrity is at the core of spiritual life, not posturing.
After all, what goes into your mouth will not defile you; rather, it's what comes out of your mouth that will defile you."
Confirms the departure from ritualistic and regulatory Judaic practices.
15. Jesus said, "When you see one who was not born of woman, fall on your faces and worship. That one is your Father."
Areference to those who have overcome and now walk in the Light. Interesting to note is the reference to the Father, Jesus was born of awoman, yet the reference seems to be open; ‘others’ may be encounteredin whom the otherworldly Light shines. It is also a clear reference toJesus himself – though born of woman as we all are, he has acquiredequanimity with the Creative principle. He indicates that we may alsoattain to the heights of ‘immortality’.
16. Jesus said, "Perhaps people think that I have come to cast peaceupon the world. They do not know that I have come to cast conflictsupon the earth: fire, sword, war.
For there will be five in a house: there'll be three against two andtwo against three, father against son and son against father, and theywill stand alone."
Jesuswas aware that his teachings would create conflict in the social sense– the strong departure and condemnation of the Old religion and thedirect opposition to all hierarchical structures of power would nodoubt attract the wrath of those in power. His attempt to wrestreligion from the institutional and to deliver it to the people and hisrejection of notions of private property in favour of communal livingwould win him no friends in ruling circles. The philosophical aspectsof his teachings would also create tensions in a household. Middleclass or other families would not be enamoured with the prospect thattheir sons (for example) would announce that they had become convertsand had no need for property or money – instead they would dedicatetheir lives to service and loving all humanity. Jesus made it clearthat those who put family or any other consideration (money) before himare not worthy of him. This would explain the almost non-existentpopulation of true Christians on the earth today – very few are able tofollow this man‘s dictates. “Few are chosen”, indeed.
17. Jesus said, "I will give you what no eye has seen, what no ear hasheard, what no hand has touched, what has not arisen in the humanheart."
Let’snot forget the reward for those who are able to follow this man’steachings – as Thomas is unable to utter, the page is unable to carry adescription! Regardless of fine ‘appearances’ etc., it is the worldthat lives in misery and poverty, a meaningless nowhere land and life.
18. The disciples said to Jesus, "Tell us, how will our end come?"
Jesus said, "Have you found the beginning, then, that you are lookingfor the end? You see, the end will be where the beginning is.
Congratulations to the one who stands at the beginning: that one will know the end and will not taste death."
Theorigination and finality are the same, alpha and omega merge into theSingular Truth. The tone of this Gospel is appealing; a congratulatorynote for those who arrive at their beginning, for their beginning isthe beginning of All things, all life issues from One source andtherein lies the continuum that is God/Truth.
19. Jesus said, "Congratulations to the one who came into being before coming into being.
Anothercongratulation for those who are able to ‘jump’ this riddle; the answerlies well outside rational thought and that is answer enough. However, consider the word “being” with and without an upper case “B”,it may help! The Being of Being is Truth as opposed to the being ofbeing which is our worldly particularised identity or personality. Ifwe therefore come into our Being before coming into our particularbeing we are saved. If we are bound to a transient identity (being)and are unable to realise our greater Being we are lost.
If you become my disciples and pay attention to my sayings, these stones will serve you.
An exaggerated way of saying that the teachings of the Saviour are powerful ‘medicine’.
For there are five trees in Paradise for you; they do not change,summer or winter, and their leaves do not fall. Whoever knows them willnot taste death."
Thisrelates to the tree symbolism in the Old and New Testaments, you wouldrecall the trees in the Garden of Eden and the man who saw “men astrees walking” in the NT. Biblical tree symbolism refers to thecentral nervous system and the associated ganglia or plexuses. I amnot at liberty to reveal details, as this is the most secret wisdom inthe Judaeo-Christian tradition. This is a personal issue based on aprevious promise; however, I would state that a dedicated researchershould not have too much difficulty sourcing information today. Serpent and Tree symbolism are the keys to the hidden wisdom inBiblical lore. It is also true that there is nothing new under the sun– what is hidden in one culture may be fully revealed in another,notwithstanding some culturally specific (slight) differences.
20. The disciples said to Jesus, "Tell us what Heaven's kingdom is like."
He said to them, "It's like a mustard seed, the smallest of all seeds,but when it falls on prepared soil, it produces a large plant andbecomes a shelter for birds of the sky."
Above parable adequately covered in NT writings.
21. Mary said to Jesus, "What are your disciples like?"
He said, "They are like little children living in a field that is nottheirs. When the owners of the field come, they will say, 'Give us backour field.' They take off their clothes in front of them in order togive it back to them, and they return their field to them.
For this reason I say, if the owners of a house know that a thief iscoming, they will be on guard before the thief arrives and will not letthe thief break into their house (their domain) and steal theirpossessions.
As for you, then, be on guard against the world. Prepare yourselveswith great strength, so the robbers can't find a way to get to you, forthe trouble you expect will come.
Let there be among you a person who understands.
When the crop ripened, he came quickly carrying a sickle and harvested it. Anyone here with two good ears had better listen!"
Avery cogent reminder that we are all living on borrowed time thateverything including our lives has been supplied by the Creativeprinciple – how arrogant we are at times to think we actually possessor create anything! Man is a tenant – a very bad one, he destroysGod’s/nature’s great gift and shows no respect for the planet (field)or the things that inhabit it (terrestrial life). This ‘man’ willleave his tenancy and his soul desolate. The landlord will evict andre-lease to worthy tenants.
22. Jesus saw some babies nursing. He said to his disciples, "Thesenursing babies are like those who enter the (Father's) kingdom."
They said to him, "Then shall we enter the (Father's) kingdom as babies?"
Jesus said to them, "When you make the two into one, and when you makethe inner like the outer and the outer like the inner, and the upperlike the lower, and when you make male and female into a single one, sothat the male will not be male nor the female be female, when you makeeyes in place of an eye, a hand in place of a hand, a foot in place ofa foot, an image in place of an image, then you will enter [thekingdom]."
Jesusdirects our attention to the undifferentiated consciousness of asuckling infant and then proceeds to instruct with another riddle, themeaning of which is unity and transformation – all made perfect in ONE(John 17) There are no binaries in the One God. When dualistic orpluralistic modes of consciousness are eliminated we may attain to theOne monistic Godhead. This is the transformation that is required ofall Christians if they are to follow their master’s lead/example.
23. Jesus said, "I shall choose you, one from a thousand and two from ten thousand, and they will stand as a single one."
Always the call to Unity, that is Godhead – is it that few are chosen, or is it that few undertake the task/challenge?
24. His disciples said, "Show us the place where you are, for we must seek it."
He said to them, "Anyone here with two ears had better listen! There islight within a person of light, and it shines on the whole world. If itdoes not shine, it is dark."
Ifwe seek Him/ourselves, we are directed to our innate internalLight/spark – failure to recognise or Cultivate this Light would resultin darkness (the syndrome of worldly souls).
25. Jesus said, "Love your friends like your own soul, protect them like the pupil of your eye."
And love your neighbour as yourself – meaning is clear.
26. Jesus said, "You see the sliver in your friend's eye, but you don'tsee the timber in your own eye. When you take the timber out of yourown eye, then you will see well enough to remove the sliver from yourfriend's eye."
Physician,heal thyself! The pre-requisite of healing others is self-healingfirst; or let he who is without fault find ‘fault’!
27. "If you do not fast from the world, you will not find the(Father's) kingdom. If you do not observe the sabbath as a sabbath youwill not see the Father."
Avoidentanglement in the mundane affairs of this world. Abstainingcompletely (sabbath) is a mental attitude – do not be attached to thefruits of labour; maintain focus and remain detached (perfectequanimity) and you will not fail to find God.
28. Jesus said, "I took my stand in the midst of the world, and inflesh I appeared to them. I found them all drunk, and I did not findany of them thirsty. My soul ached for the children of humanity,because they are blind in their hearts and do not see, for they cameinto the world empty, and they also seek to depart from the world empty.
But meanwhile they are drunk. When they shake off their wine, then they will change their ways."
IfTruth were presented to a worldly person it would not be recognised. Jesus himself could walk the streets today and he would not berecognised. The children of the world are distracted and find comfortin the things of the world. They would retaliate if offered ‘pearls ofwisdom’ – theirs is a stupor born of various ‘intoxicants’. Yet if weremain free of intoxicating influences, our innate inclinations wouldagain direct us. Allow the God-given Light in us all to shine.
29. Jesus said, "If the flesh came into being because of spirit, thatis a marvel, but if spirit came into being because of the body, that isa marvel of marvels.
“Atfirst there was the Word..”, from The Spirit came all else; however, ifthe Spirit becomes manifest (into Being) through the body then thatevent is greater than the first, marvel of all marvels. Jesus refersto himself and our potential! The human being is perfectly designedfor this “marvellous” task/experience ie to manifest the Spirit of God….
Yet I marvel at how this great wealth has come to dwell in this poverty."
..…Whenit occurs it never fails to astound – how this insignificant coil(relative to the ‘body’ of God) is able to withstand and experience theGlory and Bliss that is Truth/Infinity, constantly defies description.
30. Jesus said, "Where there are three deities, they are divine. Where there are two or one, I am with that one."
”TheLord thy God is ONE Lord” “....made perfect in ONE”. There arenumerous references to the continuity/singularity (Infinity in anyother language) of God in the Canon. The above verse is entirelycompatible with the monism of Jesus Christ. The mystery is that themajority of ‘Christians’ have little (if any) understanding ofInfinity!
31. Jesus said, "No prophet is welcome on his home turf; doctors don't cure those who know them."
Thisrefers to the stultifying effect that preconceptions have on us all. Our rose-coloured glasses cast our bias on an otherwise uncorruptedview.
32. Jesus said, "A city built on a high hill and fortified cannot fall, nor can it be hidden."
Adeveloped ‘body’ of Light becomes our city on a high hill;unassailable, a place of refuge and strength – it presents asexceptional and does not pass unnoticed.
33. Jesus said, "What you will hear in your ear, in the other ear proclaim from your rooftops.
After all, no one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, nor doesone put it in a hidden place. Rather, one puts it on a lampstand sothat all who come and go will see its light."
Jesusknows the advantages of accountability and by inference fulldisclosure; secrets are not only a sign of weakness and fear but arethe very means by which we are brought to destruction. Only cowardsand those of ill intent have something to hide. In the spiritual senseit is a call not to hide the ‘Light of our souls’ from others. We areOne and are therefore mutually affective.
34. Jesus said, "If a blind person leads a blind person, both of them will fall into a hole."
One would hope this needs no explanation!
35. Jesus said, "One can't enter a strong person's house and take it byforce without tying his hands. Then one can loot his house."
Donot allow yourself to be beguiled or surrender your sovereignty toanything; otherwise be prepared to be despoiled and consigned toslavery.
36. Jesus said, "Do not fret, from morning to evening and from eveningto morning, [about your food--what you're going to eat, or about yourclothing--] what you are going to wear. [You're much better than thelilies, which neither card nor spin.
As for you, when you have no garment, what will you put on? Who mightadd to your stature? That very one will give you your garment.]"
Adequatelydealt with in NT writings – “Solomon in all his glory was not arrayedlike one of these..” All things come from the Creator; his creationsurpasses everything. It meets its own requirements – a perfectharmony for us providing we harmonise with it! Also, indicates theineffectiveness of thought as opposed to attunement, or more accuratelyat-one-ment.
37. His disciples said, "When will you appear to us, and when will we see you?"
Jesus said, "When you strip without being ashamed, and you take yourclothes and put them under your feet like little children and tramplethen, then [you] will see the son of the living one and you will not beafraid."
Whenwe free ourselves from inhibiting social conventions (constraints) anddispense with the culturally created identity, if we are able to regainour pristine state devoid of fear – only then are we able to apprehendthe Living God.
38. Jesus said, "Often you have desired to hear these sayings that I amspeaking to you, and you have no one else from whom to hear them. Therewill be days when you will seek me and you will not find me."
Asall else, these sayings and the commentary issue from the Singularitythat is Being – One God, One source – however, while on this earth, dueto its characteristic nature, existence ‘oscillates’ and at times wemay feel we have ‘lost touch’. It is only temporary, as if toconstantly test our dedication/focus and fortitude – be vigilant at alltimes.
39. Jesus said, "The Pharisees and the scholars have taken the keys ofknowledge and have hidden them. They have not entered nor have theyallowed those who want to enter to do so.
As for you, be as sly as snakes and as simple as doves."
Thisrefers to rulers and their elites who would keep the masses ignorant;the newly appointed Pope (Ratzinger) regards mysticism as a threat tothe Church! This attitude defies theological reason but in a politicalcontext would serve to maintain an institutionalised hierarchicalstructure. In a world with such perverse values it may be prudent tobe as wise as serpents and as gentle as doves.
40. Jesus said, "A grapevine has been planted apart from the Father.Since it is not strong, it will be pulled up by its root and willperish."
That which is contrary to universal harmony will be eliminated.
41. Jesus said, "Whoever has something in hand will be given more, andwhoever has nothing will be deprived of even the little they have."
Wewere brought into existence for a specific purpose – fulfil your raisond’etre. Failing to act or hearken to our inner voice/impulse wouldresult in a double deficit.
42. Jesus said, "Be passersby."
The world may be alluring, fascinating and tantalising; whatever it appears to be it is chimera, a dream.
Sojourn this world as a visitor not a resident. The heart leads us home.
43. His disciples said to him, "Who are you to say these things to us?"
"You don't understand who I am from what I say to you.
Rather, you have become like the Judeans, for they love the tree but hate its fruit, or they love the fruit but hate the tree."
Whocan recognise the butterfly inside the grub? We cannot be selectiveregarding Truth and the circumstances that accompany it; avoiding theportion that does not appeal could result in loss of the whole. Wouldwe reject the grub and rob ourselves of a butterfly.
44. Jesus said, "Whoever blasphemes against the Father will beforgiven, and whoever blasphemes against the son will be forgiven, butwhoever blasphemes against the holy spirit will not be forgiven, eitheron earth or in heaven."
Theimplication is clear, the Holy Spirit is the ‘higher’ aspect of theChristian Trinity; it is the essential element, the quintessentialaspect of God. In accordance with the language utilised, the Father,Son and by inference and implication, the Divine Mother (Holy Spirit). The reader is at liberty to interpret this saying – the ChristianTrinity is an absurdity without the ‘Mother’. Has She been blasphemed?
45. Jesus said, "Grapes are not harvested from thorn trees, nor are figs gathered from thistles, for they yield no fruit.
Good persons produce good from what they've stored up; bad personsproduce evil from the wickedness they've stored up in their hearts, andsay evil things. For from the overflow of the heart they produce evil."
Themeaning is clear, however, to cite a known example. The US is famousfor fast food (slow poison) and mass production. This ideology hasfound its way into American religion – I refer to Billy Graham and hisEvangelicals. Graham’s most infamous convert is George Bush, thischaracter (Bush) was personally tutored and converted by Graham. Thepromulgation of Evangelicalism around the globe is tantamount to themarketing of Coca-Cola and MacDonalds, ‘gimme that K-Mart religion, itsgood enuf for me!’ Graham’s unabashed support for ultra-right-wingpoliticians, Richard Nixon and George Bush is no secret – anyone withwhom Jesus has relationship would not have supported the two mostsordid, deceitful liars the nation has had to endure. Indeed, ‘thepear falls under the pear tree’. You will know them by their fruits.
46. Jesus said, "From Adam to John the Baptist, among those born ofwomen, no one is so much greater than John the Baptist that his eyesshould not be averted.
But I have said that whoever among you becomes a child will recognize the (Father's) kingdom and will become greater than John."
Jesusproclaims himself as the greater aspect of transformative power. Itwould seem that his appearance on the earth plane enables a higherdegree of achievement than that offered by those who preceded him. Thegreater transformative power (for believers) occurs since histerrestrial intervention!
47. Jesus said, "A person cannot mount two horses or bend two bows.
And a slave cannot serve two masters, otherwise that slave will honor the one and offend the other.
Nobody drinks aged wine and immediately wants to drink young wine.Young wine is not poured into old wineskins, or they might break, andaged wine is not poured into a new wineskin, or it might spoil.
An old patch is not sewn onto a new garment, since it would create a tear."
Similar to Canonical content - self-explanatory.
48. Jesus said, "If two make peace with each other in a single house,they will say to the mountain, 'Move from here!' and it will move."
Thesingle house is man. As a result of conflict between Spirit and the(culturally fabricated) personality most people are at war withthemselves (the house divided cannot stand). Inner conflict must beeliminated if we would reach our full potential and release all ourcreative power.
49. Jesus said, "Congratulations to those who are alone and chosen, foryou will find the kingdom. For you have come from it, and you willreturn there again."
Weare all alone in the midst of tumult. Alone we arrive, live anddepart. The ‘chosen’ aspect is whether we realise this and find ourplace of rest.
50. Jesus said, "If they say to you, 'Where have you come from?' say tothem, 'We have come from the light, from the place where the light cameinto being by itself, established [itself], and appeared in theirimage.'
If they say to you, 'Is it you?' say, 'We are its children, and we are the chosen of the living Father.'
If they ask you, 'What is the evidence of your Father in you?' say to them, 'It is motion and rest.'"
Theevidence of the Father is indeed “motion and rest”. Entire creationemanated from the Singular (source of Light). Universal creation isdescribed as a dance in many cultures (motion). The conclusion of thedance of universal creation is perfect repose resulting fromequilibrium (pralaya) – all the forces in the universe are spent(attain perfect balance, rest!) This is confirmed in the spiritual andscientific sense. This process (renewed) then enters another cycle of‘motion’.
51. His disciples said to him, "When will the rest for the dead take place, and when will the new world come?"
He said to them, "What you are looking forward to has come, but you don't know it."
The rest for the ‘dead’, is the awakening to Life. That Life transforms the entire universe, time/deathis destroyed, the slayer is slain! Eternity arrives as the New Worldor ‘second coming’. When time is destroyed there is only Now and “Now”is an eternal continuum or Life everlasting.
52. His disciples said to him, "Twenty-four prophets have spoken in Israel, and they all spoke of you."
He said to them, "You have disregarded the living one who is in your presence, and have spoken of the dead."
If Christ taught us anything it is that he LIVES, “I am with you always, till the end of time”. Todisregard the Living God in favour of a text or self-proclaimed prophetor any other substitute is spiritual suicide, which leads to misery,‘death’.
53. His disciples said to him, "Is circumcision useful or not?"
He said to them, "If it were useful, their father would producechildren already circumcised from their mother. Rather, the truecircumcision in spirit has become profitable in every respect."
Self-explanatory.
54. Jesus said, "Congratulations to the poor, for to you belongs Heaven's kingdom."
The fewer possessions and attachments we have, the easier it is to ascend.
55. Jesus said, "Whoever does not hate father and mother cannot be mydisciple, and whoever does not hate brothers and sisters, and carry thecross as I do, will not be worthy of me."
Strong language utilised to make a strong point – there can be nothing between you and your God, not even a thought!
56. Jesus said, "Whoever has come to know the world has discovered acarcass, and whoever has discovered a carcass, of that person the worldis not worthy."
Foolslove the world and its tinsel glitter; have you witnessed maggotswrithing in a carcass? Now think of Bush, Blair, Bin Laden etc., andthe world in its present state. Why would You?
57 Jesus said, "The Father's kingdom is like a person who has [good]seed. His enemy came during the night and sowed weeds among the goodseed. The person did not let the workers pull up the weeds, but said tothem, 'No, otherwise you might go to pull up the weeds and pull up thewheat along with them.' For on the day of the harvest the weeds will beconspicuous, and will be pulled up and burned."
Just works reap just rewards – in the midst of corruption never compromise your integrity.
58. Jesus said, "Congratulations to the person who has toiled and has found life."
Christianity is not a passive process, as some Paulinists would have you believe – we must overcome as HE overcame.
59. Jesus said, "Look to the living one as long as you live, otherwiseyou might die and then try to see the living one, and you will beunable to see."
Thelast state of our life is the beginning state of our death. Nothingcan be taken (on departure) except our spirit; the intensity of Lightthat emanates from it is in direct proportion to the attention given itin life. If we wasted our lives on vacuous pursuits we enter the nextphase in a retarded condition.
60. He saw a Samaritan carrying a lamb and going to Judea. He said tohis disciples, "that person ... around the lamb." They said to him, "Sothat he may kill it and eat it." He said to them, "He will not eat itwhile it is alive, but only after he has killed it and it has become acarcass."
They said, "Otherwise he can't do it."
He said to them, "So also with you, seek for yourselves a place for rest, or you might become a carcass and be eaten."
Ifyou fail to find your God/rest (in the City on the hill) – you live alife of vulnerability and are liable to be consumed by those againstwhom you may not have defences.
61. Jesus said, "Two will recline on a couch; one will die, one will live."
Salome said, "Who are you mister? You have climbed onto my couch and eaten from my table as if you are from someone."
Jesus said to her, "I am the one who comes from what is whole. I was granted from the things of my Father."
"I am your disciple."
"For this reason I say, if one is whole, one will be filled with light,but if one is divided, one will be filled with darkness."
Ifwe are distracted we are lost – “if thine eye be single..” if we aredivided we are vanquished and ruined. However, if we remain true toour (Singular) creation – regardless of attempts by others tocompromise our integrity we always prevail as is demonstrated today bythe simple fact that this commentary is being written approx. twothousand years after the creation of the Gospel. The tradition of thesons and daughters of Light is as old as man and concludes only withthe dissolution of entire creation – when the world is “rolled like ascroll”. No one outside the ‘undivided’ can touch or pollute theLight. We are ONE.
62. Jesus said, "I disclose my mysteries to those [who are worthy] of [my] mysteries.
Weare all potentially worthy – would you not overcome your fears andother divisive forces in your being and realise what/who you reallyare? Be brave, do not look back and endure to the end. Your prize isassured. Peace to you.
63 Jesus said, "There was a rich person who had a great deal of money.He said, 'I shall invest my money so that I may sow, reap, plant, andfill my storehouses with produce, that I may lack nothing.' These werethe things he was thinking in his heart, but that very night he died.Anyone here with two ears had better listen!"
Whatare our priorities in life? Has anyone been able to take anything otherthan their spirit with them in death? Would we find a secure haven ineternity or in the transient manifestations of this world? Allattention and efforts directed to the development of the ‘body ofLight’ are not wasted in this world or any other. Would we leave thisworld spiritually ‘bankrupt’? Make your choice!
64. Jesus said, "A person was receiving guests. When he had prepared the dinner, he sent his slave to invite the guests.
The slave went to the first and said to that one, 'My master invitesyou.' That one said, 'Some merchants owe me money; they are coming tome tonight. I have to go and give them instructions. Please excuse mefrom dinner.'
The slave went to another and said to that one, 'My master has invitedyou.' That one said to the slave, 'I have bought a house, and I havebeen called away for a day. I shall have no time.'
The slave went to another and said to that one, 'My master invitesyou.' That one said to the slave, 'My friend is to be married, and I amto arrange the banquet. I shall not be able to come. Please excuse mefrom dinner.'
The slave went to another and said to that one, 'My master invitesyou.' That one said to the slave, 'I have bought an estate, and I amgoing to collect the rent. I shall not be able to come. Please excuseme.'
The slave returned and said to his master, 'Those whom you invited todinner have asked to be excused.' The master said to his slave, 'Go outon the streets and bring back whomever you find to have dinner.'
Buyers and merchants [will] not enter the places of my Father."
Couldit be that the Lord sent his Son to invite us all to his presence andwe were found worshiping at mammon’s Corporate feet and following theways of the world?
65. He said, "A [...] person owned a vineyard and rented it to somefarmers, so they could work it and he could collect its crop from them.He sent his slave so the farmers would give him the vineyard's crop.They grabbed him, beat him, and almost killed him, and the slavereturned and told his master. His master said, 'Perhaps he didn't knowthem.' He sent another slave, and the farmers beat that one as well.Then the master sent his son and said, 'Perhaps they'll show my sonsome respect.' Because the farmers knew that he was the heir to thevineyard, they grabbed him and killed him. Anyone here with two earshad better listen!"
Similarto previous verse except more damning of the perversity (avarice) thatleads even to murder and war. [Also refers to the tradition ofprophets and the concept of Messiah.] But has anything changed? Let’slie and engage in illegal wars and kill each other for money andresources rather than embrace as One! It is not difficult to identifythe tribalists, elitists and divisionists. How many times per day dowe murder Christ in the present?
66. Jesus said, "Show me the stone that the builders rejected: that is the keystone."
Jesus refers to himself as the keystone of the new faith and the portal to the ‘inner chamber’.
