Saying 99: My True Brothers and Mother
Told that his brothers and mother are outside, Jesus says that those here who do the will of his Father are his brothers and his mother — and they are the ones who will enter the kingdom.
Commentary
Thomas adds the promise about entering the kingdom, which the synoptics lack. Family is redefined by understanding rather than blood — the constructive counterpart to saying 55.
Parallels
Mark 3:31–35; Matthew 12:46–50; Luke 8:19–21
Sayings on the same themes
- Saying 98 Saying 98: The Assassin The kingdom is like a man who wanted to kill someone powerful. At home he drew his sword and drove it into…
- Saying 2 Saying 2: Seek and Do Not Stop Seeking Seek until you find; when you find you will be disturbed; when you are disturbed you will marvel, and you will reign…
- Saying 113 Saying 113: The Kingdom Spread Out on the Earth Asked when the kingdom will come, Jesus says it will not come by watching for it; no one will say "look, here"…
- 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 58 Saying 58: Blessed Is the One Who Has Toiled Blessed is the person who has worked hard and found life.
- Saying 54 Saying 54: Blessed Are the Poor Blessed are the poor, for the kingdom of heaven is yours.