Spiritual Questions: What Are the 114 Secret Mystical Sayings of Jesus?

What Are the 114 Secret Mystical Sayings of Jesus? The Gospel of Thomas Explained

The Gospel of Thomas is one of the most intriguing and controversial early Christian texts. Discovered in 1945 near Nag Hammadi, Egypt, this ancient manuscript contains 114 secret sayings attributed to Jesus Christ—many of which challenge the traditional teachings found in the canonical gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John).

But what exactly are these sayings? Why are they considered mystical or esoteric? And what can they reveal about the spiritual teachings of Jesus? In this article, we break down the Gospel of Thomas and explore the deeper meaning behind its 114 hidden messages.

What Is the Gospel of Thomas?

The Gospel of Thomas is a non-canonical gospel, meaning it was not included in the official New Testament. Scholars believe it was written in the first or early second century, possibly even predating some of the canonical gospels. Unlike traditional gospels, it’s not a narrative of Jesus’ life, death, or resurrection. Instead, it’s a collection of sayings—short, often cryptic statements that Jesus is said to have spoken privately to his disciples.

These sayings are referred to as “secret” or “hidden” because they claim to convey mystical knowledge meant for a select few—those who are ready to “understand” the deeper truth.

The Structure of the 114 Sayings

The Gospel of Thomas is composed of 114 logia (sayings), often beginning with “Jesus said…” Some of these closely resemble verses in the canonical gospels, while others are entirely unique and bear a strikingly Gnostic tone—emphasizing inner enlightenment, self-knowledge, and divine light within.

A few examples:

Saying 1: “Whoever finds the interpretation of these sayings will not taste death.”
Saying 3: “If your leaders say to you, ‘Look, the Kingdom is in the sky,’ then the birds will get there first… the Kingdom is inside you and it is outside you.”
Saying 77: “I am the light that is over all things. I am all: from me all came forth, and to me all attained.”

These statements are highly symbolic, requiring contemplation and often carrying multiple layers of meaning.

Key Themes in the Gospel of Thomas

The 114 mystical sayings revolve around core spiritual principles:

1. The Kingdom of God Is Within

One of the most repeated messages in the Gospel of Thomas is that the Kingdom of Heaven is not a physical place, but a state of inner realization. This concept mirrors Eastern philosophies like Zen and Advaita Vedanta.

2. Self-Knowledge Is Salvation

Jesus in the Gospel of Thomas emphasizes the path of self-discovery: “When you come to know yourselves… you will realize you are children of the Living Father.”

3. Mystical Unity with the Divine

Rather than focusing on external worship or ritual, the Gospel calls for union with the divine spark within. It suggests that enlightenment is available to all who seek it, not just religious authorities.

4. Reversal of Worldly Values

The text often upends societal norms—saying that those who are “last” will be “first,” the poor are blessed, and spiritual truth often lies beyond appearances.

Why Were These Sayings Hidden?

Some scholars believe the Gospel of Thomas was excluded from the Bible because it posed a challenge to orthodox Christian doctrines, especially the ideas of hierarchical authority, salvation through faith alone, and bodily resurrection. The emphasis on personal enlightenment and secret knowledge (gnosis) made it controversial in early Christian circles.

The early Church may have feared that these mystical sayings could lead believers away from established doctrine and toward more individualistic or heretical interpretations of Jesus’ message.

How to Interpret the 114 Sayings

Reading the Gospel of Thomas is like exploring a spiritual riddle. These sayings are not meant to be taken literally. Instead, they invite deep meditation, inner inquiry, and spiritual awakening.

Many modern seekers, especially those interested in Christian mysticism, Gnosticism, or spiritual non-duality, find profound insight in these ancient words.

Commentary & Mystical Observations on Selected Sayings

Here are some notable ones (among many) with further reflections, especially from a mystical / esoteric vantage.

Saying 1 / 110: “Whoever finds the meaning of these words will not taste death.”
This sets the tone: discovery / gnosis (spiritual insight) equals transcendence of spiritual death (ignorance).
Saying 3 / 96: Kingdom inside & outside you
This is perhaps the most famous mystical claim: the divine realm is not only “out there,” but intimately present. It calls for interior awareness.
Saying 7: “Blessed is the lion … cursed is the man …”
A paradoxical, emblematic image: perhaps symbolizing the transformation of lower nature (lion) by the higher nature (man), or vice versa.
Saying 13: The cryptic “three things” Jesus tells Thomas (which he does not disclose) suggests hidden, advanced teaching reserved for those with readiness.
Saying 16 / 81: Conflict over peace
Jesus speaking of bringing division rather than peace suggests the spiritual path is disruptive — it disturbs existing attachments, relationships, structures.
Saying 22: Making the two one, male and female one
This is one of the most debated—some interpret it as symbolic of transcending dualities (masculine/feminine, inner/outer, high/low) to reach a unified spiritual state.
Saying 70 / 73: What you bring forth will save you
This emphasizes inner treasure: revealing your inner light, wisdom, or truth is the means of salvation; suppression leads to decay.
Saying 72: “Split a piece of wood — I am there. Lift up the stone, you will find me there.”
This is a strong mystical statement: the divine is present in every thing, even in mundane matter, waiting to be discovered.
Saying 108: “Whoever drinks from my mouth … the hidden things will be revealed.”
This suggests union with Jesus (or with divine wisdom) brings disclosure of mysteries — a union of knowledge and being.
Saying 114: The controversial one about Mary / woman becoming male
Many scholars see this symbolically: “male” as spiritual uprightness, transcendence of gender, moving from potentiality to fullness. Others criticize it as reflecting patriarchal assumptions.

Should You Read the Gospel of Thomas?

Absolutely. Whether you’re a devout Christian, a curious seeker, or a scholar of ancient wisdom, the 114 sayings of Jesus in the Gospel of Thomas offer a radical, transformative perspective on spirituality. Unlike dogma, these sayings challenge you to think, reflect, and find the truth within yourself.

Full Text: The 114 Sayings of Thomas

(Based largely on Patterson / Robinson / Gnostic Society translation, with Mattison’s introductory list) Biblical Archaeology Society+2Gospels.net+2

Prologue

These are the hidden words that the living Jesus spoke. And Didymos Judas Thomas wrote them down. Biblical Archaeology Society+1

“Whoever finds the meaning of these words will not taste death.” Biblical Archaeology Society+1
“The one who seeks should not stop seeking until he finds. And when he finds, he will be dismayed.” Biblical Archaeology Society+1
“If your leaders say to you, ‘Look, the kingdom is in heaven,’ then the birds will precede you. If they say, ‘It is in the sea,’ then the fish will precede you. Rather, the kingdom is inside you and outside you. When you know yourselves, then you will be known, and you will realize that you are the children of the living Father. But if you do not know yourselves, then you dwell in poverty, and you are that poverty.” Biblical Archaeology Society+2gospel-thomas.net+2
“The older shall become a child, and the one who is first among you will be last, and he will become a single one.” gospel-thomas.net+2Gospels.net+2
“Know what is before your face, and what is hidden from you will be disclosed to you. For there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed.” gospel-thomas.net+1
His disciples said to him: “Do you want us to fast? How should we pray? Should we give alms? What diet should we keep?” Jesus said:

“Do not lie, and do not do what you hate, for all things are disclosed before heaven. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and nothing hidden that will not become visible.” Gospels.net+2Biblical Archaeology Society+2
“Blessed is the lion which the man will eat and the lion will become man; and cursed is the man whom the lion will eat, and the lion will become man.” Gospels.net+2gospel-thomas.net+2
“And he said, The man is like a wise fisherman who cast his net into the sea and drew it up from the sea full of small fish. Among them he found a fine large fish. He threw the small ones back into the sea, and chose the large fish without difficulty. Whoever has ears to hear, let him hear.” gospel-thomas.net+1
“Now the sower went out, took a handful of seeds, and scattered them. Some fell on the road; the birds came and gathered them. Some fell on rock, and they did not take root in the soil and did not produce ears of grain. Some fell among thorns; the thorns choked them and the worms ate them. And some fell on good soil and it produced good fruit: it yielded, perhaps a hundredfold.” gospel-thomas.net+1
“I have cast fire upon the world, and look, I guard it until it blazes.” gospel-thomas.net+1
“This heaven will pass away, and the one above it will pass away. The dead are not alive, and the living will not die. In the days when you ate what is dead, you made it alive. When you are in the light, what will you do? On the day when you were one you became two; but when you become two, what will you do?” Biblical Archaeology Society+2gospel-thomas.net+2
His disciples said: “We know you will depart from us. Who will be our leader?” Jesus said to them:

“Wherever you are, you will go to James the righteous, for whose sake heaven and earth came into being.” Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said to his disciples: “Compare me to someone and tell me whom I am like.” Simon Peter said to him: “You’re like a just angel.” Matthew said to him: “You’re like a wise philosopher.” Thomas said to him: “Teacher, my mind is not able to say whom you are like.” He said:

“I am not your teacher. Because you have drunk, you have become intoxicated from the bubbling spring that I measured out.”
He took him and withdrew, and told him three things. When Thomas returned to his companions, they asked him, “What did he say to you?” Thomas said to them: “If I tell you one thing among the things he told me, you will pick up stones and throw them at me. A fire will come out of the stones and burn you up.” Biblical Archaeology Society+2gospel-thomas.net+2
Jesus said: “If you fast, you will give rise to sin for yourselves; and if you pray, you will be condemned; and if you give alms, you will harm your spirits. When you go into any land and enter a city and they receive you, eat what is set before you; heal the sick among them, and say to them, ‘The Kingdom of Heaven has come near to you.’ But do not eat what is ceremonially unclean; what comes out from your mouth will defile you, not what goes in.” gospel-thomas.net+2Biblical Archaeology Society+2
Jesus said: “When you see one who was not born of woman, fall on your face and worship him. That one is your Father.” Biblical Archaeology Society+2gospel-thomas.net+2
Jesus said: “Perhaps people think that I have come to bring peace to the world. But they do not know that I have come to bring conflict: fire, sword, and war. For there will be five in a house: three will be against two, and two against three; the father against the son, and the son against the father. And they will stand solitary.” Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “I will give you what no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, what no hand has touched, what has never entered the human heart.” Biblical Archaeology Society+1
His disciples said to him: “Tell us about the end, when it is coming, and what will be the sign when it is near.” Jesus said:

“Have you discovered the beginning, then you can seek the end. For where the beginning is, there the end will be. Blessed is he who will take his place in the beginning; he will know the end and will not taste death.” Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “Blessed is the one who came into being before coming into being. If you become my disciples and listen to my words, these stones will minister to you. For there are five trees in Paradise which remain unchanged in summer or winter, and their leaves do not fall. Whoever becomes acquainted with them will not experience death.” Biblical Archaeology Society+1
The disciples said to Jesus: “Tell us what the Kingdom of Heaven is like.” He said to them:

“It is like a mustard seed, the smallest seed you plant in the ground; yet it becomes a large branch and shelters the birds of the sky.” Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Mary said to Jesus, “Whom are your disciples like?” He said, “They are like children who live in a field which is not theirs. When the owners of the field come, they will say, ‘Give back our field to us.’ They take off their clothes in front of them in order to give it back. Let them give it back, but do not give what is yours to them.” gospel-thomas.net+1
Jesus said: “When you make the two one, and when you make the inside like the outside, the outside like the inside, and the above like the below, and when you make the male and the female one and the same, so that the male not be male and the female not female; and when you fashion eyes in place of an eye, and a hand in place of a hand, and a foot in place of a foot, and a likeness in place of a likeness; then you will enter the Kingdom.” Biblical Archaeology Society+2gospel-thomas.net+2
Jesus said: “I will choose you, one from a thousand and two from ten thousand, and they will become one.” Biblical Archaeology Society+1
His disciples said to Jesus: “Show us the place where you are, for it is necessary that we seek it.” He said to them:

“He who has ears, let him hear. There is light within a person of light, but if that light is hidden, how great is that darkness!” Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “Love your brother as your soul; protect him as the pupil of your eye.” gospel-thomas.net+1
Jesus said: “You see the mote in your brother’s eye, but you do not see the beam in your own eye. When you cast out the beam from your own eye, then you will see clearly to cast out the mote in your brother’s eye.” Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “If you do not fast from the world, you will not find the Kingdom. If you do not make the Sabbath a Sabbath, you will not see the Father.” Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “I stood in the midst of the world and in flesh appeared to them. I found them all drunk, and none were thirsty. And my soul ached for the children of humanity because they are blind in their hearts and do not see. They came into the world empty, and they go out of the world empty again. But they are drunk. And when they shake off their wine, they will repent.” Biblical Archaeology Society+2Gospels.net+2
Jesus said: “If the flesh had come into being because of the spirit, it is a wonder. But if the spirit had come into being because of the body, it is a wonder of wonders. Indeed, I am amazed at how this great wealth has come to dwell in this poverty.” Biblical Archaeology Society+2gospel-thomas.net+2
Jesus said: “Where there are three deities, they are divine. Where there are two or one, I am with them.” Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “No prophet is acceptable in his own village; no physician heals those who know him.” Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “A city built on a high mountain and fortified cannot fall, nor can it be hidden.” Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “What you hear in your ear, proclaim from your rooftops. For no one lights a lamp and sets it under a basket, nor puts it under a bed; instead, he puts it on a stand so that all who enter and leave may see its light.” Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “If someone blinds another, and he who is blind leads the blind, both will fall into a pit.” Biblical Archaeology Society+2Gospels.net+2
Jesus said: “It is not possible to enter the strong man’s house and remove his possessions unless you first bind his hands; then you may loot his house.” Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “Do not worry from morning until evening, neither from evening until morning.” Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “A person with money will be given more; and whoever has none, even what he has will be taken from him.” Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “Many are standing at the door; but the solitary will enter the bridal chamber.” Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “The Pharisees and the Scribes have taken the keys of knowledge and hidden them. They did not enter themselves, and they did not allow those who wanted to enter to do so.” Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “A grapevine has been planted outside of the father; as a result it has not been tended, and the grapes have turned into worthless wild grapes.” Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “Whoever has something in his hand will be given more; and whoever has nothing, even what he has will be taken from him.” gospel-thomas.net+1
Jesus said: “Become passersby.” Biblical Archaeology Society+1
His disciples said to him: “Who are you to say these things to us?” Jesus said to them: “You do not realize who I am from what I say to you — but you have become like the Jews; for they (either) love the tree and hate its fruit, or love the fruit but hate the tree.” Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “Whoever blasphemes against the Father will be forgiven. And whoever blasphemes against the Son will be forgiven — but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, neither on earth nor in heaven.” Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “Grapes are not harvested from thorn bushes, nor figs from thistles—every good tree yields good fruit, and every bad tree yields bad fruit. A good person brings what is good from the treasure of good; an evil person brings what is evil from the treasure of evil — and he said to them, ‘I tell you truly, on account of your words you will be justified, and on account of your words you will be condemned.’” Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “From Adam to John the Baptist no one among those born of women is greater than John. Yet the one who is least in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he.” Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “It is impossible for a person to mount two horses, or to stretch two bows. And a servant will not be able to serve two masters, otherwise he will honor one and despise the other. Nobody drinks old wine and immediately desires to drink new wine. And they don’t put new wine into old wineskins; otherwise the wineskins burst. They don’t put old wine into new wineskins; otherwise the wine bursts the skins. And they don’t patch old cloth with new cloth; otherwise the patch pulls away from it, and a worse tear is made.” Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “If two make peace with each other in a single house, they will say to the mountain: ‘Move away,’ and it will move away.” Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “Blessed are the solitary and elect, for you will find the Kingdom. For you come from it, and to it you will return.” Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “If they ask you, ‘Where did you come from?’ say to them, ‘We came from the light, the place where the light came into being of its own accord and established itself and appeared in their image.’ If they ask you, ‘Is it you?’ say, ‘We are its children, and we are the elect of the living Father.’ If they ask you, ‘What is the evidence of your Father in you?’ say to them, ‘It is motion and repose.’” Biblical Archaeology Society+1
His disciples said to him: “When will the rest of the dead take place, and when will the new world come?” He said to them:

“What you look for has already come, but you do not know it.” Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “The slave who knows the master is worthy to become master, and he will reign. But the one who does not know the master is unworthy of the reign.” gospel-thomas.net+1
His disciples said to him: “Is it lawful to cast out a demon by fasting and prayers?” He said:

“If the root is unhealthy, nothing of its fruit will be healthy. And if a tree is unhealthy, neither can its fruit be healthy. For every tree is known by its fruit. You will not gather figs from thorns, nor grapes from a bramble bush — and a good person brings forth good from his store; an evil person brings forth evil from his store — again, I say to you, out of your own selves you will reap what you have planted.” Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “If a man knows the father and the mother, he is called a child of harlot.” Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “He who has come to understand the world has found a corpse, and he who has found a corpse, of that world is worthy.” gospel-thomas.net+1
Jesus said: “The one who has recognized the world has found the body, and the one who has found the body is superior to the world.” Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “The man is like a wise fisherman who threw his net into the sea and pulled it up from the sea full of small fish; among them he found a good large fish. He threw the small ones back into the sea, and chose the large one without difficulty. Whoever has ears to hear, let him hear.” (parallel to Saying 8) gospel-thomas.net+1
Jesus said: “Many times you desired to hear these words which I say to you. Yet you were not able to bear them. When you become capable, you will be disturbed, and you will marvel, and you will reign over everything.” gospel-thomas.net+1
Jesus said: “Become as little children, and enter the kingdom. The one who becomes little like a child will enter the kingdom.” Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “They who know all, and yet are lacking in themselves, are miserable.” Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “Two will rest on a bed: one will die, the other will live.” *(Or: “two will lie down on a bed; one will die, the other live.”) Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “It is for those who are worthy of my mysteries that I reveal my mysteries. Do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.” Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “Behold, he who seeks will find, and he who knocks will be let in.” (Note: this has a close parallel in canonical gospels.) gospel-thomas.net+1
Jesus said: “A man was having a huge number of domestic animals. His shepherd found a smaller one of them which had gone astray. He left the ninety-nine and looked for the one until he found it. After he had gone home, he called together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my stray sheep.’” Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “He who is near me is near the fire, and he who is far from me is far from the Kingdom.” Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “Show me the stone which the builders rejected; that one is the cornerstone.” gospel-thomas.net+1
Jesus said: “A good man brings good from his store; an evil man brings evil things from his store — I say to you, out of your own selves you will be justified.” Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “Blessed is the person who has suffered; he will find life.” gospel-thomas.net+1
Jesus said: “Blessed is the person who has endured temptation; he will become the one who knows the situation. (Or: who knows the way.)” Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “If you bring forth what is within you, what you bring forth will save you. If you do not bring forth what is within you, what you do not bring forth will kill you.” Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “I shall destroy this house, and no one is able to rebuild it except the one who built it — but when you know yourselves, then you will be known, and you will understand that you are children of the living Father.” Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “I am the light which is over them all. I am the All. The All came forth from me, and to me the All attained. Split a piece of wood — I am there. Lift up the stone, and you will find me there.” Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “What you have will save you if you bring it forth. If you do not have that which is within you, what you do not have will kill you.” (parallel to 70) Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “I am your light, when you come to know yourselves, then you will become known, and you will realize that it is you who are the sons of the living father.” gospel-thomas.net+1
Jesus said: “I am the one who exists from the undivided. I was given a body along with you; I shall be removed from the body, and you will be in the undivided.” Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “You see the mote in your brother’s eye, but you do not see the beam in your own eye. Remove the beam from your own eye first, and then you will see clearly to remove the mote in your brother’s eye.” (similar to 26) gospel-thomas.net+1
Jesus said: “It is useless for you to light a lamp and hide it under a basket or under a bed. Instead, place it on its stand so that all who come in can see its light.” (parallel to 33) gospel-thomas.net+1
Jesus said: “Where there are two, they will be there in my name; where there is one, I am with him.” Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “The Pharisees and scribes took the keys of knowledge and hid them. They did not enter, nor did they let those who wanted to enter enter.” Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “Call your brothers, those who seek you, and those who find you will become your children. For there are many in my Father’s house, who do not know me.” (variant reading) Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “Perhaps people think I have come to provide peace on earth. But they do not realize I have come to provide select peace: in a house five will be divided, three against two, two against three; father against son, son against father. And they will stand solitary.” (variant of 16) Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “The one who is near me is near the fire; the one who is far from me is far from the Kingdom.” (parallel to 65) Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “Let him who has understood the world disdain it.” Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “When you see your likeness, you rejoice. But when you see your images that came into being before you, and they died before you, and you become troubled and say, ‘When will they live?’ — that day you will become troubled.” Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “When many are gathered in one place, they will say to the mountain, ‘Move away’; and it will move.” (parallel to 48) Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “When you see a man who was not born of woman, fall on your face and worship him; that one is your Father.” (parallel to 15) Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “The light that is within you, let it shine before men, so that they may see the works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (variant) gospel-thomas.net+1
Jesus said: “Many are standing at the door, but the solitary will enter the bridal chamber.” (parallel to 38) Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “Why do you wash the outside of the cup? Don’t you realize the one who made the inside is the same as the outside? But as for you, you blind one, cleanse the inside first, and the outside will be clean.” Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “Come to me, for behold, I have prepared a bridal chamber and a feast. I have sent out servants, calling those who are invited to the feast. Whoever comes will dine. (But) in the secret I say to those who are invited: Many are called, but few are chosen.” Biblical Archaeology Society+1
They said to him: “When will the Kingdom come?” He said:

“It will not come by waiting for it. Nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is.’ Rather, the Kingdom of the Father is spread out upon the earth, and people don’t perceive it.” Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “Seek and you will find; when you find, you will be disturbed; when disturbed, you will marvel; and you will reign over all.” (parallel to 2) Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “Do not give what is holy to dogs, or cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them underfoot, and turn and tear you to pieces.” (parallel to canonical gospels) Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “Whoever seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” (parallel to 63) Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “If a man can fast and pray and practice righteousness in a single day, he will mount up to the place of the living.” Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “If those who lead you say to you, ‘Look! The Kingdom is in the sky,’ then the birds will precede you. If they say to you, ‘It is in the sea,’ the fish will precede you. Rather, the Kingdom is within you and outside you.” (parallel to 3) Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “The man who seeks will find. (But) as for the one who finds, he will be overwhelmed, and when he is overwhelmed, he will be astonished, and he will reign over all.” (variation of 2, 92) Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “The Father’s Kingdom is like a man who wanted to kill a powerful man. He drew his sword, dug a pit in his own courtyard, and then he himself fell into the pit. He died.” (parable of the assassin) Biblical Archaeology Society+1
They showed Jesus a gold coin and said to him: “Those who belong to Caesar demand taxes from us.” He said to them:

“Give me what belongs to Caesar, and give me what belongs to God, and give me what is mine.” Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “Whoever does not hate his father and mother (as I do) cannot become a disciple to me, and whoever does not love his father and mother (as I do) cannot become a disciple to me. For my mother gave me falsehood, but my true mother gave me life.” Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “Whoever has come to know the world has found the body, and whoever has found the body is superior to the world.” (variation of 56) Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “Woe to the Pharisees, for they are like a dog sleeping in the manger of cattle: the dog neither eats nor lets the cattle eat.” Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “Blessed is he who knows where the robbers will enter, so that he may get up, dress himself, and take his stand before they come.” Biblical Archaeology Society+1
They said to him: “Come, let us pray and fast today, and let us give alms.” Jesus said:

“What sin have I committed? Or in what way have I been deficient? Rather, when the bridegroom leaves the bridal chamber, then let them fast and pray.” Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “Whoever knows father and mother shall be called the child of a harlot.” Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “When you make the two into one, you will become children of humanity, and when you say, ‘Mountain, move away,’ it will move away.” Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “The Kingdom is like a shepherd who had a hundred sheep. One of them went astray. He left the ninety-nine, looked for the one until he found it. After he had found it, he said to his sheep: ‘I love you more than the ninety-nine.’” Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “Whoever drinks from my mouth will become like me; I myself shall become that person, and the hidden things will be revealed to him.” Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “The Kingdom is like someone who had a treasure hidden in a field, but nobody knew it. After he died, he left it to his son. The son didn’t know it either. He bought the field, plowed it, and found the treasure. He began to lend money at interest to whom he wished.” Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “Whoever discovers the interpretation of these sayings will not taste death.” (same as 1) Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “This heaven will pass away, and the one above it will pass away. The dead are not alive; the living will not die. In days when you ate what is dead, you made it alive; when you are in the light, what will you do? On the day when you were one you became two — but when you become two, what will you do?” (parallel to 11) Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “Woe to those who are alone and chosen, for you will find the kingdom but you will be made to dwell in torment.” (some manuscripts omit this or vary) Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Jesus said: “The weeds are the children of the evil one, and the foes (of the good seed) are those who sowed them. The harvest is the end of the age; the reapers are angels. He will gather his wheat into his barn, but the weeds he will burn with fire; they will be a fire.” Biblical Archaeology Society+1
Simon Peter said to Jesus: “Let Mary leave us, for women are not worthy of life.” Jesus said:

“Look, I will guide her so that I will make her male, in order that she also may become a living spirit resembling you males — for every woman who will make herself male will enter the Kingdom of Heaven.” Biblical Archaeology Society+1

Final Thoughts

The Gospel of Thomas and its 114 secret sayings present a version of Jesus as a wisdom teacher, a guide to inner truth rather than a figure to worship from afar. This gospel invites readers on a journey—not of belief, but of personal discovery, awakening, and spiritual liberation.

As interest in mystical Christianity grows, more people are turning to texts like the Gospel of Thomas to uncover the hidden teachings of Jesus—and perhaps, to awaken the light within themselves.