Gospel of Thomas - Chapter 048
From Sensus Plenior
Saying 46
- (46) Jesus said, "Among those born of women, from Adam until John the Baptist, there is no one so superior to John the Baptist that his eyes should not be lowered (before him). Yet I have said, whichever one of you comes to be a child will be acquainted with the kingdom and will become superior to John."
This is a rich saying. Compare to :
- Mt 11:11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
In what manner is John the greatest among those born of women? It is in his understanding. Eyes represent understanding. This is verified by the account of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey.
- Donkey = prophet... every donkey in scripture represents a prophet in figure.
- Female = those who don't see (understand) clearly
- Jesus was led by an old female donkey. Jesus was proceeded by the old prophets who did not understand fully.
- He rode on the young male donkey representing John who knew exactly who Jesus was.
- He sat on the garments/works of the disciples to say he was finished with their works.
- The people broke branches from the tree... Christ is the tree, we are the branches. The separated themselves from him.
- Rather than wave the branches in the air/spirit, they threw them to the ground to say they were a peopel of earth/flesh.
- They removed their own garments/works and threw them to the earth to say their works were of the flesh.
What appeared to be a warm welcome was a rejection of Christ as a spiritual leader. The next day they all cried "Crucify him!". The hidden meaning tells us more than the literal.
Those who become as little children are not 'born of women' but of the spirit. They have a greater understanding of the scriptures than even John had.
