Jesus said, "[Foxes have] their dens and birds have their nests, but human beings have no place to lie down and rest." (86 Thomas)

Some have translated the Coptic as directly parallel to the Greek version of this saying found in Luke and Matthew: Foxes have their dens and birds have their nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lie down and rest.

The Greek is almost certainly a translation of Aramaic spoken by Jesus as remembered thirty or more years after the crucifixion. This is a rather complicated listening game, but Jesus probably referenced the son(s) of Adam.

Whether this refers to all of humankind or is an indirect self-reference is a matter of judgment. It is often understood that the Son of Man is Jesus. It could also be that the Aramaic original was meant to suggest a shared identity: Jesus is and each of us are sons of Adam.

Jesus was and each of us are pilgrims. We are as passers-by. We should not mistake our current condition as anything but temporary. From Luke and Matthew it is clear we should avoid anything that will distract us from making the journey.

To not have den or nest is an advantage. We are unencumbered and encouraged to continue on our way. Jesus is ready to walk with us if we are ready to walk with him.

Above is a map of ancient spice routes. Thomas is said to have begun his missionary work in what is modern Iraq and Iran, proceeded to Southern India and, perhaps, made it as far as China.