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 3 Saying 3: The Kingdom Within and Without If your leaders say the kingdom is in the sky the birds will get there first; if in the sea, the fish.…
- Saying 88 Saying 88: The Messengers and the Prophets The messengers and the prophets will come and give you what is already yours; you should give them what you have, and…
- 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 13 Saying 13: Compare Me to Something Peter says Jesus is like a righteous messenger, Matthew like a wise philosopher; Thomas says his mouth cannot say what Jesus is…
- Saying 58 Saying 58: Blessed Is the One Who Has Toiled Blessed is the person who has worked hard and found life.
- Saying 96 Saying 96: The Leaven The Father's kingdom is like a woman who took a little yeast, hid it in dough, and made large loaves of bread.