THE GOSPEL OF THOMAS FOR THE MODERN READER

1.) Jesus said, “Whoever listens to My words, and believes what I say, will have eternal life.”

2.) Jesus said, “Those who are looking for something important should not stop until they find it. As disciples they will be disturbed by what they find because it is not what they expected. As they begin to understand the rewards and sacrifices of following Me they will be amazed by the blessing, and then troubled by the sacrifice. But one day they will be at rest in Me. That will be their true reward.

3.) Jesus said, “If your leaders say to you, ‘Look, the Father’s kingdom is in the sky.’ Then the birds of the sky have already been there. If they say, ‘It is in the sea.’ Then the fish have already been there. You are looking for it in the wrong places. What I am telling you is that My Father’s kingdom is everywhere; it is within you and it is all around you.”

4.) Jesus said, “An old man, who is wise in his years, won’t hesitate to ask a child about life. That man will feel young again. For many, being first will mean taking the role of a servant. But remember, being a servant is how you will become a disciple of Mine.”

5.) Jesus said, “To know what is hidden, you must first be able to see what is in front of your face. Truly, God knows all that is hidden in your hearts; and in His time everything will be revealed.”

6.) His Disciples asked, “Do you want us to fast, and to observe the dietary laws? Should we give to charity? And, how are we supposed to pray?”

Jesus said, “Don’t lie or do things you know are wrong, because everything is disclosed before heaven: God sees it all. You know that there is nothing you can hide from God, and someday you will be judged accordingly.

In the meantime, remember, how you take care of your neighbor is more important than the laws you keep. Only the authorities keep track of such things.”

7.) Jesus said, “Blessed is the Lion that feeds the man. I am that Lion, and if you live in Me, you will be fed with spiritual nourishment and living water. You will not go hungry, and you will not thirst.

This is how it must be: Blessing comes from My Father. It is blasphemy to say otherwise.”

8.) Jesus said, “That person is like a wise fisherman who cast his net into the sea and brought up a catch full of small fish. Yet, among them, the fisherman spied a large fish that would feed his family. He knew exactly what to do: he threw back the small fish, and kept the large one. Listen to what I am telling you!”

9.) Jesus said, “Listen, a farmer went out, took a handful of seeds, and scattered them. He was not very careful so some fell on the road, and the birds ate them. Others fell on rocks, and since there was not any soil they did not sprout either. Others fell among weeds, and they were choked out and died; the worms and insects did the rest. However, others did fall on good soil, and they produced a bumper crop. The harvest was two to three times the normal yield. Do you now understand where to plant the seeds of the Spirit?

10.) Jesus said, “I have cast fire upon the world, and look, I am guarding it until it blazes. This is the fire of the Holy Spirit.”

11.) Jesus said, “These earthly kingdoms will pass away, and so will the kingdom of heaven, before My words will change. That is because the Word of God is eternal.

In these days it is hard to tell the difference between the living and the dead. I am talking about spiritual things, because you seem to be very concerned about only what you eat and drink, and the material treasures of this life. When you are called upon in the spirit, what will you do? Will you try to be something you are not; what will you do?”

12.) The Disciples said to Jesus, “We are concerned that you will be leaving us soon. Since we don’t know where you are going, or when you will return, who will lead us while you are away?”

Jesus said to them, “You will not be alone. Go to James and the others whom I have instructed. James will stay in Jerusalem to help you.”

13.) Jesus said to His Disciples, “Compare to something; tell me what I remind you of.”

Peter said, “You are a messenger from God.”

Matthew said, “You are like the wise philosophers. You are a great thinker.”

Thomas, who had been giving this some thought, said, “Rabbi (teacher), I can’t put my thoughts about You into words. I’m having trouble adequately describing who You are.”

Jesus said, “I am not your Rabbi (teacher); because you have been with Me, and heard what I have said, you assume that I am the source of all of this knowledge. Believe Me when I tell you that there is one who is greater than I am.”

Jesus took Thomas aside, and spoke to him of three things. When Thomas returned to his friends, they asked him, “What did Jesus tell you?”

Thomas said, “If I tell you even one of the things he told me, you will stone me as a blasphemer. You would not believe it anyhow. Your disbelief would consume you like fire.”

14.) Jesus said to them, “If you fast you will still be a sinner, if you pray fervently you will still be judged as a sinner, and giving to charities will not save your soul. Works will not save you.

When you go to any region, and walk in that place, accept what people give you: rest there if they take you in, eat the food they offer you, and heal their sick.

Remember that it is not what you take into your mouth that makes you unclean, it is the filth coming out of your mouth when you speak unkindly about your brother, yell at your family or outright lie … those are the things that will truly defile you.

15.) Jesus said, “When you see the one who was not born of man, fall on your face and worship him. That one will save you; he is your Christ.

16.) Jesus said, “I suspect people think that I have come to bring peace to their world. They have not figured out that I am here to create difficult choices, and that these choices will create conflict at the deepest level. For example, there will be a family of five living in the same house: three will be on one side and two will be on the other side, fathers will be against their sons and sons against fathers. Those who choose to follow Me will lose family and friends.

17.) Jesus said, “If you believe in Me I will give you what no one can possibly imagine. What God offers cannot be seen, heard or touched in human terms. What arises in the heart cannot be explained, either, but that is your treasure, as surely as heaven is your reward.”

18.) The Disciples said to Jesus, “Tell us how we will die.” Jesus said, “You haven’t even begun to live for Me, and you want to know how it ends? All you need to know is that I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End.”

19.) Jesus said, “Blessed is God, the One who existed before anything was created. If you become My disciples and listen closely to what I say, even these stones will serve you.

Heaven is a paradise that waits for you, and there you will find five trees that do not change even though the seasons change. Summer or winter their leaves do not fall. Whoever understands this will never die in the spirit.

20.) The Disciples said to Jesus, “Tell us what heaven is like.”

He told them, “It is like the mustard seed, the smallest of all seeds, yet when it falls on good soil, and it is nourished, it grows to become a very large plant sheltering even the birds of the sky.

21) Mary asked Jesus, “What are you Disciples like?”

He said, “They are often like children playing in a field without the supervision of adults. When the owner of the field returns, and asks them to leave, they become indignant, taking off their clothes in anger. They are frustrated because they do not get their way, and they do not like to share. They are like everyone else in that respect.”

Along those lines, I tell you that if the owner of a house is prepared, knowing that a thief is on his way, he will be on guard, locking the doors and making sure that the thief cannot break in and steal his most prized possessions.

Mary, as for you and the other Disciples, be on guard against the thieves of this world. Prepare and strengthen your defenses so that they can’t find a way to get to you. I am telling you this because these things will happen sooner than you expect. Make sure at least one of you remembers this parable … When the crop had ripened, the farmer came quickly with his sickle and harvested it. Listen to what I am telling you because My time is short with you.

22.) Jesus saw some women nursing their babies, and said to the Disciples, “Those nursing babies are like those who will enter the kingdom. Do you understand what I mean?”

They said, “Do you mean that we must be babies to enter heaven? This does not make sense.”

Jesus responded, “It is not being babies that is important, but about having the faith of a child.

When you can come to terms with the spiritual and physical sides of your being, you will be able to decide about spiritual things. Through and through you will begin to consider all that you do and all that you are in terms of faith in God. Everything comes from Him. It really does not matter if you are male or female, young or old, healthy or sick. Everyone will be made whole in His kingdom. You will be ready when the time comes if your faith is strong.”

23.) Jesus said, “I have chosen you, one from a thousand and two from ten thousand. You will stand together as one body.”

24). His Disciples said, “Show us where you are getting your power and inspiration; we want it also.”

Jesus said, “Anyone here with two good ears had better listen to what I have to say! You have the power you need within you. It is the light that is God, and it shines so the whole world can see it. If you do not share that light, there will be darkness.”

25.) Jesus said, “Love your friends like your own soul; protect them in the same way you would shield the pupil of your eye from something sharp.”

26.) Jesus said, “You easily spot the splinter in your friend’s eye, but you can’t see the board in your own. Only when you remove the board from your own eye, will you be able to safely remove the splinter from your friend’s eye. Do not be so quick to judge”

27.) Jesus said, "Unless your spirituality is of greater consequence than the world, you will never experience God's kingdom. Furthermore, if you do not honor God you cannot know Him. Remember Him on the Sabbath"

28.) Jesus said, “I became a man born in the flesh and dwelt among you. I found many of you already with the power you had over people, position and possessions. You were self-centered, and not thirsty for what I had to offer you.

My soul aches for you because you are blind to who I Am and what I want to give you. It appears that you came into this world with nothing and you are bound and determined to leave the same way.

But in the meantime you remain drunk with your power, blinded by the old ways. You will wake up one day and see what you have missed.”

29.) Jesus said, “If the flesh responds to a changed spirit, that is a marvel; but if one of you changes your life because you are tired of a sinful life, that is truly a miracle because you have learned from your experiences. Yet, so many of you throw away your opportunities for a more rewarding life.”

30.) Jesus said, “Where two or more are gathered in My name, I am with them.”

31.) Jesus said, ‘Split a piece of wood or lift a stone, and you will see My Father’s handiwork.”

32.) Jesus said, “A city built high upon a hill, and well-fortified, cannot be taken nor can it be hidden from view.”

33.) Jesus said, “What you hear do not keep to yourself, but proclaim the good news from the rooftops. No one who lights a lamp covers it or hides it from view. On the contrary, the lamp is placed on a stand in the center of the room so that everyone can share its light.

34.) Jesus said, “If a blind person leads another blind person, both of them will fall into the same hole.”

35.) Jesus said, “You cannot enter a powerful man’s house, and take it against his will, without first tying his hands. When he is defenseless, then you can take whatever you desire from him. Listen to me: Your faith will protect you.”

36.) Jesus said, “Do not worry, day to day, about what you will wear. Your needs will be met. I take care of the sparrows and I will take care of you.”

37.) His disciples said, “Who are you really? When will we see you as you are, and how will we know it is you?

Jesus said, “When you can stand before Me naked and unashamed, spiritually speaking, then you will see me as I Am … the only Son of the living God. You will no longer fear these unanswered questions, because you will accept Me with a childlike faith.”

38.) Jesus said, “You have a desire to hear what I am speaking about, because there is no one else to tell you what I have to say. Listen to Me now; there will come a time when you will yearn to hear my voice, and I will no longer be with you.”

39.) Jesus said, “The scribes and Pharisees have taken the keys, to the doorway of Godly knowledge, and have hidden them. Apparently they only want the power of controlling who enters for they have not passed through this doorway themselves nor have they allowed anyone else to enter. You will have to be as sly as snakes and as innocent as doves if you want to survive their wrath.”

40.) Jesus said, “ A grapevine has been planted apart from the Father’s will. Since it is not a healthy vine it will eventually die because it is not being properly watered or tended to.”

41.) Jesus said, “Whoever has learned to build spiritual equity will be given more, however, he who has made no effort will find that what little he has will be taken from him.”

42.) Jesus, “Don’t get too attached to things. Be passersby"

43.) His disciples said, "Who gives you the authority to say these things?"

Jesus replied, "You really do not know who I am do you? You act as though you have not heard one word I have spoken. Rather, you have become like the very authorities you rail against: You either love the tree and hate the fruit or love the fruit but hate the tree from which it was picked. Is it that you do not understand what I am saying or you simply do not want to hear it?"

44.) Jesus said, "Whoever blasphemes against the Father will be forgiven, and whoever engages in the same sinful behavior against the Son will be forgiven, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either on heaven or on earth. This is a mortal sin because you have truly denied the presence and the being of God."

45.) Jesus said, "Grapes are not harvested from thorn trees, are they? And, figs are never harvested from thistles because they bear no fruit.

In like fashion, good people do good works because they have stored up goodness within them; evil people create evil things and spread wickedness all around because that is what is deep inside them. Evil is in their souls, and they speak of the evil that is on their hearts."

46.) Jesus said, "From the time of Adam to the present day, there is no greater man born of a woman than John the Baptist. He is so holy that none can look at him without lowering their eyes.

Yet, I tell you that those of you who accept the kingdom, with the faith of a child, will be even greater than John in the eyes of God."

47.) Jesus said, "No one can ride two horses or bend two bows. None of you can serve two masters because when you attempt it you honor one and do a disservice to the other. Furthermore, nobody drinks mellow wine and then asks the host for a newer vintage. Good wine needs to be appropriately aged. And, all of you know that pouring new wine into old wineskins is asking for trouble: the wineskin might burst or the wine become bitter because it is not completely fermented. Never sew an old patch on a new garment, as it is worn and will tear again."

48.) Jesus said, "If two people living under the same roof make peace, that house will be at peace, and there is nothing they cannot do. If fact they will be able to move mountains."

49.) Jesus said, "Blessed are those who stand alone because of Me. The kingdom of heaven is theirs."

50.) Jesus said, "If anyone asks you, 'Where do you come from?' 'Who teaches you?' or, 'How did you learn these things?' say to them, 'We have come from the Light, the source of all things which is God, the first Light. This first Light, the great I AM, was not born, but came into being on His own accord, and has always existed since before time began. And if they ask you if you are the Light, tell them, 'We are not the Light, but children of the Light, chosen by Him, our Father.' If they ask about evidence of this, tell them, 'Watch how we live, how we come and go each day.'"

51.) Jesus’ followers said to Him, “When will the dead finally be judged and the saints be at rest? When will the kingdom come, and when will God’s anointed one rule from the Temple?”

He said to them, “What you are seeking has come, but you do believe your eyes; you do not recognize what is in your midst."

52.) His followers said to Him, “Twenty-four prophets have prophesied in Israel, and they all spoke your name.”

Jesus said, “You continue to focus on the dead and ignore the Living One. I am with you, and yet you do not see Me.”

53.) His followers asked, “Is circumcision important; does it really make a difference?”

Jesus said, “If it were useful parents would produce male children fully circumcised at birth. Rather, it is circumcision of the spirit that is important because true commitment to God is a spiritual matter.”

54.) Jesus said, "Blessed are the poor, for they will be rewarded in heaven."

55.) Jesus said, "Whoever does not separate himself from unbelieving family and friends cannot be my disciple. You must hate sin and be willing to pick up your cross if you truly want to follow Me."

56.) Jesus said, “If you look at the world for more than what it can provide, you will be disappointed. It is like looking for a live animal and finding a carcass. The world is not good or bad, but evil lives there. Those who see it for what it really is appreciate the Father’s blessing.”

57.) Jesus said, “The Father’s kingdom is like a farmer who planted a field of premium seed. His enemy came during the night and sowed weeds and thistles among the rows. The farmer, when he saw them sprout, did not have his field hands pull up the weeds, but told them, “No … wait. It is still early in the season, and you risk pulling up the crop with the weeds. It is still hard to tell the difference between the two.” However, on the day of harvest the weeds will be easy to identify. Then they can be pulled up by the roots and burned.

58.) Jesus said, “Blessed is the man who has worked hard and found life to be worth living. He has found dignity and meaning.”

59.) Jesus said, ‘Find God the Father, the Living One, while you are still alive in the flesh, because if you die and you do not know Him it will be too late.”

60.) Jesus saw a Samaritan carrying a lamb across his shoulders headed toward Judea. He said to His disciples, “Do you know why that man is carrying a lamb wherever he goes?”

They said, ‘So that he can kill it and eat it.”

Jesus responded, “He will not harm it until he is ready to slaughter or sacrifice it. Then, when the lifeblood is drained, he will either serve it to his family or give it as a sin offering. Until then he will protect it with his life.”

The disciples said, “Yes, he will protect it like his own offspring.”

Jesus said, “So it is with you. Seek the Father who protects you like a lamb. The difference is this … you will not be sacrificed or eaten. One day you will understand what I am saying.”

61.) Jesus said, “Two will recline on a couch, like you and Me; one will live and the other will be taken. Consider this your warning. Listen to what I am telling you!”

Salome said, “Just who are you, sir? You have reclined on my couch and eaten from my table … you are not just anyone, are you?”

Jesus responded to her saying, “I am the One who comes from God, the One who is perfect and whole. The things I give you, whether in word or in deed, are not from Me, but from the One who is perfect and whole. That One is your Father and My Father.”

She said, “I will follow You because I believe You.”

He said, “And because of this I tell you that if you are willing to accept Me and follow Me, you will be filled with light, but if you choose not to believe, God will not be with you and you will be filled with conflict and darkness of the soul.”

62.) Jesus said, “I will show My mysteries to those who are willing to accept the Mystery that is God. Do not do this for personal gain. Your left hand should not know what your right hand is doing.”

63.) Jesus said, “There was a wealthy man who had a great of land and money. The man said, ‘I will invest my money so that I can make the best use of my farmland, sowing with the best seed, and thus reaping large harvests to fill my storehouses to overflowing. Then I will lack nothing.’ These were the thoughts that filled his heart, but he died that night. Those who have ears listen closely to what I am saying.”

64.) Jesus told the following parable, “A man had prepared dinner and was ready to receive his guests. He sent his servant to invite them to the table. The servant went to the first guest, and said, ‘My master requests your presence as dinner is ready.’ That guest said, ‘Some businessmen owe me some money, and they are coming over tonight to pay me. I need to be there to speak to them, so please tell your master to excuse me from my engagement.’ The servant went to the next guest on the list and said, ‘Dinner is ready; my master asks you to come now.’ That one said to the servant, ‘I have just purchased some property, and must go see it. Unfortunately, I do not have time; but tell your master that I send my sincere thanks.’

The servant went to the next guest on his master’s list and said, “Dinner is ready; you can come now.’ That guest also had an excuse, saying, ‘My friend is going to be married, and I need to arrange things with the caterer, so I am unable to make it. Please let your master know this.’

The servant went to the last person on the list and said, ‘Dinner is being served; please come so that it does not get cold.’ That guest also begged off, saying, ‘I recently acquired an apartment building and it is time to collect rent. Please tell your master that I send my apologies.’

The servant returned to his master and said, ‘Each person you invited to dinner has something to do that has come up at the last minute. They send their apologies and ask to be excused.’

The master told his servant, ‘Go out into the street, and bring back anyone who is hungry.’

Do you hear what I am saying? People who value their businesses above everything else will not enter My Father’s kingdom.”

65.) He said, "There was a good man who owned a vineyard, and leased it to a group of sharecroppers. He did this so that they might tend the vineyard, earn a season's wages, and he might collect the ripened fruit to sell. At harvest time he sent his servant to the vineyard to collect the produce from the farmers. However, they seized the servant and beat him nearly to death. When he was able, the servant sent word to his master about what had happened. The master said, 'Perhaps they did not recognize my trusted servant, so he sent another. The farmers beat this one, also, and sent him away. In a final attempt to seize what was his, the owner sent his beloved son and said, 'Perhaps they will show respect because he is my son.' But, the farmers, knowing that it was this son who was the heir to the vineyard, seized him, tortured and killed him. Remember this."

66.) Jesus said, "Show me the cornerstone, the one the builders set aside as unusable. Little do they know that the foundation of My church will be that very stone."

67.) Jesus said, "If you truly know God, and still feel as though you are incomplete, then you do not really know Him."

68.) Jesus said, "Blessed are you when you are hated and persecuted for My sake. Be assured, those who persecute you will find no quarter."

69.) Jesus said, “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for their faith; they have truly come to know the Father.

Blessed are those who are hungry, for their hunger will be satisfied. Their spirits will be full to overflowing.”

70.) Jesus said, “If you bring forth the faith in God that resides within your heart, you will depend upon Him and that will save you. On the other hand, if you have no faith, you will die and that will be the end. You will not be with God in heaven.”

71.) Jesus said, “I will destroy this temple, and rebuild it in three days, but no man can rebuild it.”

72.) An heir to an estate asked Him, “Please tell my brothers to divide my father’s possessions with me.” Jesus said, “Young man, do you think I am a divider?” He turned to His Disciples and asked, “Am I a divider?”

Again Jesus turned to the man and said, “You need to get your priorities straight. You sound greedy and completely obsessed with your father’s wealth.”

73.) Jesus said, “The harvest is bountiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord to send more laborers to the fields.”

74.) He said, “There are many who are thirsty for knowledge of spiritual truth, but they are all huddled around the wrong trough. The well that supplies it is dry.”

75.) Jesus said, “There are many suitors standing at the door of the bridal suite hoping to have an audience, however, only those chosen by the bride’s Father will be allowed to enter.”

76.) Jesus said, "The worth of the Father's kingdom is best compared to a trader who had a storehouse full of merchandise and chanced to find a beautiful pearl hidden there. Being a shrewd businessman, he sold the other goods and bought the pearl for himself.

So with you, seek His treasure that will never be a poor investment, never lose its value, and where no moth or worm will destroy it.

77.) Jesus said, "I am the Light of the world; I shine within all things and from Me all came forth; all will return to Me. I am your Messiah, and I am your God.

Split a piece of wood; I am there. Lift a stone and you will find My handiwork there, as well."

78.) He asked, "Why did you come out to the desert? Did you really expect to see a reed shaken by the wind? There is no water here.

Did you think that you would see a person dressed in fine soft clothing like Temple priests and members of the Sanhedrin? You have come to the wrong place for that; but if you came to see a prophet, then you will not be disappointed."

79.) A woman in the crowd approached Him and said, "Your mother is a lucky woman, and must consider herself blessed. And just look at you, that her breasts and her womb have been used for such a holy purpose." Jesus responded, "Thank you, woman, but the truly blessed are those who have heard God's word and kept it close to their hearts.

Listen closely, for if you follow Me there will come a time when you will say, 'Blessed are the womb that never conceived, and the breasts that never gave milk. "

80.) Jesus said, "Whoever has pinned his hopes and dreams on this world, and this world alone, has a gift as temporary as the flesh. He has discovered nothing new. Yet, if he follows Me, he will have much more than this world can provide. That will be a blessing."

81.) Jesus said, "Let him, who has become wealthy in spirit, reign with Me. Then, if he is serious about his commitment, let him renounce the treasures of this world by becoming a servant, finding his true purpose."

82.) Jesus said, "Whoever is near me is near the fire of the Holy Spirit, and whoever distances himself from Me also distances himself from My Father's kingdom."

83.) Jesus said, "The flesh is what you see, but it is not alone. Because you are made in His image, God's light is hidden behind the flesh, and His light struggles to shine through the darkness of your sin. Yet, God's will is accomplished, even in the sinner, because His light overcomes the darkness."

84.) Jesus said, "When you see what you have become you rejoice, but when you see those who have not arrived at your level of faith and understanding it is more than you can bear. Do not judge, and do not forget how you once were."

85.) Jesus said, "Adam came first, and he was loved by God. In the garden he had everything, yet he sinned and also tasted death. All of you have sinned. No one is better or worse than the other in God's eyes"

86.) Jesus said, "Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head. His home and His resting place is with the Father."

87.) How miserable is the person who expects another sinner to meet his needs. Neither will be satisfied, and they will be a stumbling block to themselves and others. Only God can save you from yourself."

88.) Jesus said, "The teachers and the prophets will visit you. They will teach and prophesy in ways that strengthen you according to God's will. You in turn are required to feed them and cloth them while they are with you. There will come a time when you will wonder whether your gifts were truly sufficient."

89.) Jesus asked, "Why are you working so hard to clean the outside of your drinking cup? You must also keep the inside clean or it will become foul and make you sick."

90.) Jesus said, "Do not be afraid to follow Me for My yoke is not a burden and My guidance is gentle. You will find comfort and rest in Me."

91.) They said to Him, "Tell us who you really are so that we can believe in You."

He said to them, "I don't think it would make any difference if I told you these things because I Am who I am. You look at the heavens and the earth every day and connot make the connection. Yet, the answer is right in front of your face and you do not see it. Examining and analyzing will not help your unbelief. "

92.) Jesus said, "’Seek and you will find.’

It is really that simple, but you have to make the effort. In the past I did not answer your questions, because you were not ready for the truth. Now I am ready to tell you, but you do not want to hear it."

93.) "Don't throw what is sacred to the dogs, for they will treat what is holy like dirt. Would you throw pearls to swine?"

94.) Jesus said, "He who looks will find what he seeks; if he knocks the door will be opened."

95.) Jesus said, "If you have money to lend, do not do it for interest or gain, but do it out of love. And if you really care, you will give it without any strings attached."

96.) Jesus said, "The Father's kingdom is like a woman I know. She took a little yeast and put it in the dough for her family's daily bread. That tiny portion of yeast made all of the loaves rise. If you have ears, Listen!"

97.) Jesus told another parable, "The Father's kingdom is like a woman who was carrying a jar full of meal. While she was walking home the handle separated from the body of the jar, and meal left a trail behind her on the road. Because she didn't realize she had a problem, her jar was empty when she arrived home. Be more like this woman; pour out what you have received on your journey home."

98.) Jesus said, "Experiencing the kingdom of heaven can best be compared to a person who wanted to kill a powerful adversary. While he was still at home, he practiced until he could thrust his sword through the wall. Then he knew he was ready to do battle. The next day he went out with confidence and killed his adversary."

99.) The Disciples said to Him, "Your brothers and mother are waiting outside for you."

Jesus said to them, "Yes, I understand, but also know that my heavenly family is made up of all those who do the will of My Father. They are the ones who will enter the kingdom."

100.) They showed Jesus a gold coin, and said to Him, "The Roman emperor wants our money. We think it is wrong to pay such high taxes."

He said, "By all means give the emperor what is His... look, his likeness is on each coin ... but also give God what is rightfully His. Listen to what I am telling you about your worldly and heavenly duties. Money will slip through your fingers, but not my Father's kingdom."

101.) "Whoever loves their mother and father more than Me cannot be my disciple. There will be a division where one did not exist because your choice will certainly separate you from your brothers and sisters. Your true Father is in heaven, and your true family is among my followers."

102.) Jesus said, "My anger at the Pharisees consumes Me. They are like dogs asleep in the feeding trough. They do not eat, but neither do they allow the cattle to eat. They serve no one but themselves."

103.) Jesus said, "I commend those who know where the enemy will attack. In this way they can amass their resources and will be prepared to ward off the attackers."

104.) The Disciples said to Jesus, "Come with us that we might pray and fast."

He responded, "What sin have I committed? Do you know who I am? Maybe I have not been clear about this. Think of it this way ...when the groom leaves the bridal suite, and the festivities are over, then there will be a time and reason enough to pray."

105.) Jesus said, "Whoever does not claim Me above mother and father will be a bastard child, in spiritual terms."

106.) Jesus said, "When you marry the earthly and the spiritual aspects of your being, you will understand that you are a child of Adam and a child of God. With this faith and this knowledge, you will have the power to say to a mountain, 'Mountain, move over here,' or 'Mountain, move over there,' and it will move as you have commanded it."

107.) Jesus said, "The Father's kingdom is like the good shepherd who had a large flock of sheep. One of them, the smallest, got separated from the flock, and was lost. The shepherd immediately left the flock, and searched all night for the lost one until he found it. Yet, after all of this hard work, he prized that sheep above all the rest."

108.) Jesus said, "Whoever drinks the words from My mouth will have eternal life. Until then, I shall dwell within that person, and to him much will be revealed for I am the living water."

109.) Jesus said, "The Father's kingdom is best described as a person who had a treasure buried in his field, but was unaware of it. When the father died, he left his property to the eldest son. The son was also unaware of the treasure hidden there so when he had inherited he sold it as soon as he had the opportunity. The new owner began plowing and soon discovered the treasure hidden there. He took the money and began to invest it wisely. Not only was he able to take care of his family, but he understood that this was a gift, and also helped out those who had not been as fortunate."

110.) Jesus said, "Let the one who has found material wealth give it away. If he wants to follow Me he must seek spiritual prosperity. He must serve as I have served."

111.) Jesus said, "The heavens and the earth will obey you if you believe what I have told you. Have I not told you that if you have found your purpose in God, even the rocks and trees will sing your praises?"

112.) Jesus said, "The flesh is certainly damned, as it is the seat of sin. And the soul cannot depend upon the flesh for righteousness. However, if you follow Me I can wash away your sin."

113.) His Disciples asked, "When will Your kingdom arrive?"

He said, "Since you have asked I will tell you, but understand that it will not happen by standing around waiting for it. And, it will not be in a specific place as though looking here or there will help you. Rather, the kingdom is in side of you, and it is all around you. The reason It cannot be seen is because people are blind to spiritual things."

114.) Peter said to Jesus' followers, "Mary cannot be a disciple as that is a man's place. Ask her to leave us."

Jesus said, "Look here, Peter, I will prepare her as I have prepared you. In the Father's kingdom men and women have spiritual equality.

Our Prayer

Lord God in heaven, Abba, Father Your name is holy above all others;

Your kingdom reigns among us Yes, please hasten your return.

Because Your will is perfect We pray it might be accomplished in us On this earth as you have established it In heaven

Provide what we need each day, our bread And forgive us our sins That we might do so for others in Your name.

Guide us through our darkest hour And deliver us from the Adversary,

For Your kingdom, and Your power And Your glory are forever, And ever.

We ask your blessing in Jesus' name (and the Children of Light all said) Amen.