Saying 46: Greater Than John the Baptist
From Adam to John the Baptist no one born of women is so far above John that his eyes should not be lowered; yet whichever of you becomes a child will know the kingdom and be greater than John.
Commentary
The canonical version says the least in the kingdom is greater than John. Thomas substitutes becoming a child — the state of undividedness from sayings 4, 21 and 22 — as the qualification.
Parallels
Matthew 11:11; Luke 7:28
Sayings on the same themes
- Saying 25 Saying 25: Love Your Brother as Your Soul Love your brother as your own soul; protect him as you would the pupil of your eye.
- Saying 12 Saying 12: James the Just Asked who will lead them after he goes, Jesus sends the disciples to James the Just, for whose sake heaven and earth…
- 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 97 Saying 97: The Jar of Meal The kingdom is like a woman carrying a jar of meal. The handle broke on the road and the meal spilled out…
- Saying 58 Saying 58: Blessed Is the One Who Has Toiled Blessed is the person who has worked hard and found life.
- 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…