(92) Jesus said: Seek, and you will find; but the things you asked me in those days and I did not tell you then, now I desire to tell them, but you do not ask about them.
Title: The Imperative of Seeking: Unveiling the Hidden Truths
In Saying 92, Jesus imparts a profound directive: "Seek, and you will find." This imperative resonates with the timeless quest for truth, urging individuals to embark on a journey of discovery. Coupled with this call to seek, Jesus elucidates a poignant revelation regarding the mysteries of divine knowledge.
The saying begins with a clear injunction to seek the truth, emphasizing the inherent promise that diligent seekers will ultimately uncover the keys to profound mysteries. This exhortation transcends temporal boundaries, echoing across generations as an enduring invitation to delve into the depths of spiritual understanding.
However, Jesus introduces a nuanced dimension to the discourse by addressing past inquiries that remained unanswered. Reflecting on previous questions about hidden meanings in scriptures, Jesus acknowledges withholding certain insights due to the unpreparedness of his audience. This deliberate reticence underscores the importance of divine timing and discernment in dispensing spiritual truths.
At the heart of Jesus' message lies a profound tension between revelation and receptivity. While the desire to impart hidden meanings persists, the reluctance of the audience to inquire after them impedes the process of enlightenment. This reluctance, characterized by contentment with superficial rituals and traditions, serves as a barrier to deeper understanding.
The saying evokes parallels with passages in the Gospel of John, particularly John 16:4b-5, where Jesus speaks of truths yet to be revealed and the disciples' inability to bear them at present. This intertextual connection underscores the thematic continuity of Jesus' teachings across various contexts, reinforcing the urgency of spiritual discernment and readiness.
In the broader context of Jesus' ministry, Saying 92 embodies a pivotal moment of transition—a turning point marked by the culmination of an age and the dawn of a new epoch. As the end of the age approaches, Jesus expresses a heightened desire to unveil hidden truths, signaling a profound shift in cosmic consciousness.
The imperative to seek, therefore, carries profound implications for spiritual seekers in every generation. It beckons individuals to transcend complacency and delve into the depths of divine wisdom, recognizing that the quest for truth is an ongoing journey fraught with challenges and revelations.
In conclusion, Saying 92 encapsulates the timeless imperative of seeking truth and the inherent tension between revelation and receptivity. Through its enigmatic discourse, Jesus beckons seekers to embrace the call to seek and unveils the mysteries of divine knowledge. In a world marked by uncertainty and flux, the imperative of seeking serves as a guiding light, illuminating the path to profound spiritual understanding and enlightenment.
Saying 92
J. D. Crossan writes: "As in the preceding instance, only the seek/find stich is present; but now it is accompanied by another saying whose meaning is not exactly clear. More significant for my own purpose is the fact that the stich's version here is in imperative/future format and thus in the second person." (In Fragments, p. 100) [Cp. John 16:4b-5]
92) Jesus said, "Seek [the Truth] and you will find [the Keys, the mystery]. Yet, what you asked Me about in former times [about the hidden meanings in the scriptures "Now, answering, He said to them that "To you has it been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of the heavens, yet to those it has not been given."] and which I did not tell you then [because they were not yet ready to hear it "Still much have I to say to you, but you are not able to bear it at present."], now [at the end of the age] I do desire to tell [the hidden meaning], but you do not enquire after it [being content with the lower/outward (fleshly) ordinances, traditions and festivals of men]."