The Journey of Seeking and Finding: Insights from the Gospel of Thomas

The Gospel of Thomas, a non-canonical text attributed to Jesus' disciple Thomas, contains profound teachings that invite us to embark on a journey of seeking and finding. In the opening verse, it states, "Let him who seeks continue seeking until he finds." This statement encapsulates the essence of a spiritual quest, where the process of seeking is as important as the ultimate discovery.

- The Teacher + AI

12/30/20233 min read

open book on glass table
open book on glass table

The Gospel of Thomas, a non-canonical text attributed to Jesus' disciple Thomas, contains profound teachings that invite us to embark on a journey of seeking and finding. In the opening verse, it states, "Let him who seeks continue seeking until he finds." This statement encapsulates the essence of a spiritual quest, where the process of seeking is as important as the ultimate discovery.

Seeking implies a deep longing within us, a desire to understand the mysteries of life, and to find our meaning and purpose. It is a journey that requires patience, perseverance, and an open mind. The Gospel of Thomas encourages us to embrace this seeking, to never cease exploring, questioning, and seeking truth.

However, the text goes on to say, "When he finds, he will become troubled." This may seem paradoxical at first. Why would finding the truth or attaining spiritual insights lead to trouble? The Gospel of Thomas suggests that when we encounter profound truths, it can disrupt our existing beliefs, challenge our perceptions, and shake the foundation of our understanding. It can be unsettling to confront ideas that challenge our comfort zones.

Yet, this state of being troubled is not meant to discourage us but rather to propel us further on our journey. It is through this discomfort that we grow, expand our consciousness, and gain deeper insights. The Gospel of Thomas continues, "When he becomes troubled, he will be astonished." Astonishment arises from the realization that the truth we have discovered transcends our previous limitations and opens up new possibilities.

As we continue to seek and find, our understanding of ourselves and the world around us expands. We become aware of the interconnectedness of all things, the interplay of light and shadow, and the inherent wisdom that permeates existence. This newfound understanding empowers us to navigate life with greater clarity, compassion, and purpose.

The final part of the verse states, "and he will rule over the all." This does not simply imply a position of dominance or control but rather an alignment with Gods divine order of the universe. It suggests that when we integrate the wisdom gained through our seeking and finding, we become rulers over those that persecute us. We align ourselves with Gods commandments of love, harmony, and truth, allowing us to live in harmony with ourselves and others, while still keeping "Watch".

The Gospel of Thomas invites us to embark on a lifelong journey of seeking and finding. It reminds us that the path of spiritual exploration is not always smooth and comfortable. It challenges us to embrace the discomfort that arises on our journey and in result if we maintain, we will be astonished. Ultimately, it teaches us that through this process, we can gain wisdom, expand our consciousness, and align ourselves with Gods divine order of the universe.

"Let him who seeks continue seeking until he finds. When he finds, he will become troubled. When he becomes troubled, he will be astonished, and he will rule over the all."
- Gospel Of Thomas 1:2