A Sacrament Sweeter Than Blood
Lifting the curse of the vineyard
On wine and vineyards
The Gospel of Thomas has a rather dark view of wine and vineyards.
(40) Jesus says:
(1) “A grapevine was planted outside of the Father.
(2) And since it is not supported, it will be pulled up by its roots (and) will perish.”
The saying seems to be talking about a single grapevine, however, I believe that the text is written so as to compare wine as a sacrament to an unnamed alternative.
(65) He said:
(1) “A [usurer] owned a vineyard. He gave it to some farmers so that they would work it (and) he might receive its fruit from them.
(2) He sent his servant so that the farmers might give him the fruit of the vineyard.
(3) They seized his servant, beat him, (and) almost killed him. The servant went (back and) told his master.
(4) His master said: ‘Perhaps <they> did not recognize <him>.’
(5) He sent another servant, (and) the farmers beat that other one as well.
(6) Then the master sent his son (and) said: ‘Perhaps they will show respect for my son.’
(7) (But) those farmers, since they knew that he was the heir of the vineyard, seized him (and) killed him.
(8) Whoever has ears should hear.”
