The Gnostic Bible: Gnostic Texts of Mystical Wisdom form the Ancient and Medieval Worlds

244 LITERATURE OF GNOSTIC WISDOM

whom all existed and whom all lacked. As one of whom some have no knowl-

edge, he wants them to know him and love him. What did they lack, if not the

knowledge of the father?^14

JESUS AS QUIET GUIDE

Jesus became a guide, quiet and at leisure. In the middle of a school he came

and spoke the word, as a teacher. Those who were wise in their own estimation

came to put him to the test. But he discredited them as empty-headed people.

They hated him because they really were not wise. After all these came also the

little children, those who possess the knowledge of the father. When they be-

came strong they were taught the aspects of the father's face. They came to

know and they were known. They were glorified and they gave glory.

THE LIVING BOOK IN THE

HEART OF THE LITTLE CHILDREN

In their heart, the living book of the living was manifest, the book that was

written in the thought and in the mind of the father and, from before the

foundation of all, is in that incomprehensible part of him.^15

This is the book that no one found possible to take, since it was reserved for

him who will take it and be slain. No one could appear among those who be-

lieved in salvation as long as that book had not appeared. For this reason, the

compassionate, faithful Jesus was patient in his sufferings until he took that

book, since he knew that his death meant life for many.^16 Just as in the case of

a will that has not yet been opened, the fortune of the deceased master of

the house is hidden, so also in the case of all that had been hidden as long as

the father of all was invisible and unique in himself, in whom every space has

its source. For this reason Jesus appeared. He put on that book. He was nailed

to a cross. He affixed the edict of the father to the cross.

Oh, such great teaching! He abases himself even unto death, though he is

clothed in eternal life. Having divested himself of these perishable rags,^17 he

14. This lack is the lack of absolute perfection and transcendence found only in the perfect fa-
    ther, who makes it known by revealing it.


15. In the book of life the knowledge of the father is revealed.


16. See Hebrews 2:17; Mark 10:45; 1 Timothy 2:6.


17. The body.