Saying 21: Children in a Field Not Theirs
Mary asks what the disciples are like; they are like children living in a field that is not theirs, who give it back when the owners come. Be on guard against the world like a householder expecting thieves, and when the crop is ripe bring the sickle.
Commentary
A composite saying that runs three images together. Mary Magdalene asks the question, one of two places where she speaks in Thomas; the other, saying 114, is the book’s most contested line.
Parallels
Mark 4:29; Matthew 24:43; Luke 12:39
Sayings on the same themes
- Saying 112 Saying 112: Woe to the Flesh and the Soul How wretched is the flesh that depends on the soul; how wretched is the soul that depends on the flesh.
- Saying 8 Saying 8: The Wise Fisherman A fisherman hauls up a netful of small fish, finds one fine large fish among them, and throws all the small ones…
- Saying 9 Saying 9: The Sower A sower scatters seed: some falls on the road, some on rock, some among thorns, and some on good soil that bears…
- Saying 14 Saying 14: Fasting Brings Sin Fasting brings sin, prayer brings condemnation, almsgiving harms the spirit; go into any land, eat what is put before you, heal the…
- Saying 82 Saying 82: Whoever Is Near Me Is Near the Fire Whoever is close to me is close to the fire, and whoever is far from me is far from the kingdom.
- Saying 37 Saying 37: When You Strip Without Shame Asked when he will appear to them, Jesus answers: when you undress without being ashamed, and trample your clothes underfoot like little…