Consider the concept of Jesus in Gnostic texts, not as a distant and separate deity, but as a figure who values self-knowledge as equivalent to knowledge of God. In the Gnostic Gospel of Thomas, Jesus conveys to Thomas that they are equals, both having their essence from the same divine source. This message is radically different from orthodox Christianity’s teachings, which portray God as wholly other and distinct from humanity. Modern churches are known to place themselves between God and humanity – manipulating patrons for personal gain. 

In these Gnostic narratives, Jesus emerges not merely as a savior from sin but as a guide toward enlightenment and spiritual understanding. This portrayal shifts his role from a divine lord to be worshiped to that of a teacher or guide, whose primary role is to facilitate an individual’s direct, personal connection with the divine. Once a disciple attains enlightenment, the boundaries between the teacher (Jesus) and the student dissolve. This dissolution is a reflection of a fundamental Gnostic belief in the potential for each individual to realize their inherent divinity.