Do Not Lie: A Reflection on Thomas 6
His disciples said to him, “Do you want us to fast? And how should we pray? Should we make donations? And what food should we avoid?”
Jesus said, “Do not lie, and do not do what you hate, because everything is revealed in the sight of heaven; for there is nothing hidden that will not be revealed, and nothing covered up that will stay secret.” — Thomas 6
It was the duty of rabbis to pass on their interpretation of spiritual practices to their disciples. We see this in the canonical Gospels when Jesus gives instructions on fasting, praying, and giving. He demonstrates his take on the Sabbath and food requirements as well.
The thesis of his teachings is to do these things in secret — fasting, praying, giving — so that only God knows that you are doing them. Since these acts of devotion are in service to their relationship with God, bringing attention by publicly doing these things would counter the intent.
Regarding public practices, like observing the Sabbath and dietary restrictions, Jesus leans into doing what is most loving over what is most orthodox. If you can make someone’s life better by working on the Sabbath, then you should make that accommodation. If you are desperate for food, eat what you need to in order to stay alive.
