As a grad school assignment, I read the Gospel of Thomas today. You probably already know this, but the four canonical gospels in our New Testaments are pretty much the tip of the iceberg when it comes to versions of “The Greatest Story Ever Told”. I’d never read the Gospel of Thomas before, much less in one whole sitting. It’s interesting because it’s merely a collection of sayings of Christ. No parables. No miracle stories. No narrative to speak of at all. Just the words of Jesus. What a novel idea.

Of course, these words aren’t considered canonical. I have to admit, it almost felt scandalous reading it. I found myself being really skeptical as I read, thinking things like, “Jesus would never say things like that.” I think the Gospel of Thomas is a considered a Gnostic Gospel, so there are certain passages about special knowledge and things Jesus only reveals to certain people. Not sure what to do with any of that. But today I’m just reflecting on the nature of Scripture and what a leap of faith it is to believe that our “canonical” texts reveal Christ to us.

I guess I’m just thankful today that somebody a long time ago took the time to collect and record all these Jesus stories. Whether people believe them or not (or consider them to be “canonical” or not), we’re indebted to those individuals who have preserved these sacred texts so we can read them and believe.