Thomas (Aramaic) or Didymus (Greek) means twin
Thomas (the twin) is Judas, a brother of Jesus
According to the Eastern Church, Jesus’ twin brother
Who became the Apostle to India
This gospel is one of first writings about Jesus
And it is said to have two parts
One composed by Jesus’ brother, Judas (Thomas)
And the other by another brother, James
When disciples ask Jesus who is to be their leader
He responds to go to James the Just, this brother
While in the synoptic gospels, Peter is the leader
And in the Acts of the Apostles, it is Paul
The brothers in this gospel describe
Jesus’ philosophy and message
They do not mention his miracles
Nor his passion nor his resurrection
Some of the sayings are what parents would teach
Good persons produce good
Bad persons produce and say evil
From the wickedness in their hearts
Be adaptable and respectful to other people
So when you go into different region
When people invite you in
Eat what they serve you
When you see a sliver in your friend’s eye
But you don’t see the one in your own
You must first take out yours
Then you will see well enough to remove your friend’s
Don’t worry every day from morning to evening
About what you are going to wear or eat
You are better than the lilies of the field
And they are taken care of
Give to the emperor what is his
And to God what belongs to Him
Or how about, be as sly as snakes
And as simple as doves
Love your brother like your soul
Guard him like the pupil of your eye
Plus if a blind man leads a blind man
They will both fall into a pit
But what is unique to Jesus’ message is
His view of the kingdom of God (imperial rule)
And the key to understanding this kingdom
Is recognizing your affinity with God
Jesus says of himself I am the light before all things
I am all things; from me all things come forth
Split a piece of wood, I am there
Lift a stone, you will find me
We are all made in the image of God
Which is hidden within everyone
But if you become a child
You will know the kingdom is in you
The kingdom is inside you and outside you
When you know yourself
You will know the depth of things
That you are a child of the living Father
The kingdom is like a mustard seed
The smallest of all seeds
When it falls on prepared soil
It grows to a large plant and shelters the birds
The Father’s imperial rule is like the merchant
Who had a lot of merchandise
When he found a pearl
He sold his goods and bought the pearl
The Father’s imperial rule is like a woman
Who took a little leaven
Mixed it with dough
And made large loafs of bread
The kingdom will not come by waiting for it
It is not a matter of saying “here it is” or “there it is”
Rather, the kingdom is spread out upon the earth
And men do not see it
