Saying 43: The Tree and Its Fruit
Asked who he is to speak this way, Jesus replies that they do not recognise him from what he says: they have become like those who love the tree and hate its fruit, or love the fruit and hate the tree.
Commentary
The saying assumes a split audience and a hardening line. Its blunt reference to “the Jews” is one of several places where Thomas reflects a community defining itself against its parent tradition.
Parallels
Matthew 12:33; Luke 6:43–44; John 8:25
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