What is the meaning of Matthew 7:21-23?

Matthew 7:21-23 is a passage that has stirred much reflection and contemplation among Christians over the centuries. This passage is part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, a collection of teachings that form a cornerstone of Christian ethics and spirituality. The verses read:

"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'" (Matthew 7:21-23, NIV)

To understand the meaning of this passage, it is essential to consider its context and the broader message of Jesus' teachings.

Context and Background

The Sermon on the Mount, found in Matthew chapters 5-7, is a comprehensive presentation of Jesus' moral teachings. In these chapters, Jesus addresses various aspects of life, including attitudes, behaviors, and relationships. The sermon culminates in a series of warnings and exhortations, urging the listeners to choose the narrow path that leads to life (Matthew 7:13-14), to be wary of false prophets (Matthew 7:15-20), and to build their lives on the solid foundation of His teachings (Matthew 7:24-27).

Matthew 7:21-23 falls within this final section of the sermon. Here, Jesus emphasizes the importance of genuine discipleship and warns against superficial or hypocritical faith.

Genuine Discipleship

The key message of Matthew 7:21-23 is that mere verbal profession of faith is insufficient for entry into the kingdom of heaven. Jesus makes it clear that saying "Lord, Lord" is not enough; what matters is doing the will of the Father. This distinction between words and actions is a recurring theme in Jesus' teachings.

In the parable of the two sons (Matthew 21:28-32), Jesus contrasts a son who initially refuses to work in his father's vineyard but later repents and obeys, with another son who agrees to work but does not follow through. The first son, despite his initial refusal, ultimately does the will of his father and is commended. Similarly, in Matthew 25:31-46, the parable of the sheep and the goats, Jesus describes the final judgment based on acts of compassion and service to others. Those who have cared for the needy are welcomed into the kingdom, while those who have neglected such acts are condemned.

The Will of the Father

What, then, does it mean to do the will of the Father? Throughout the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus provides numerous examples of what this entails. It involves living according to the values of the kingdom of heaven, such as humility, mercy, purity of heart, and peacemaking (Matthew 5:3-12). It means loving one's enemies, giving to the needy, and seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 5:43-48; 6:1-4, 33). Ultimately, it requires a transformation of the heart and a commitment to follow Jesus' teachings in every aspect of life.

The Apostle Paul echoes this understanding in his letters. In Romans 12:1-2, he urges believers to offer their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, and to be transformed by the renewing of their minds. In Galatians 5:22-23, he describes the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—as evidence of a life aligned with God's will.

The Danger of Self-Deception

Matthew 7:21-23 also serves as a sobering warning against self-deception. Jesus describes a scenario in which individuals who have performed impressive religious acts—prophesying, casting out demons, and performing miracles—are ultimately rejected because they did not truly know Him. This highlights the danger of relying on external signs of spirituality while neglecting the deeper, inner relationship with Christ.

The phrase "I never knew you" is particularly striking. It suggests that these individuals, despite their outward displays of faith, lacked a genuine, intimate relationship with Jesus. This underscores the importance of knowing Christ personally and being known by Him. In John 10:14, Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep and is known by them. This mutual knowing is the foundation of true discipleship.

The Call to Self-Examination

In light of this passage, believers are called to examine their own lives and motivations. Are we merely going through the motions of religious activity, or are we sincerely seeking to do the will of the Father? Are our actions rooted in a genuine love for Christ and a desire to follow Him, or are they driven by a desire for recognition, power, or self-righteousness?

The Apostle James addresses this issue in his letter, emphasizing the inseparable connection between faith and works. He writes, "Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds" (James 2:18, NIV). Genuine faith is evidenced by a life of obedience and service, reflecting the character of Christ.

The Role of Grace

It is important to note that doing the will of the Father is not about earning salvation through works. The Bible is clear that salvation is a gift of God's grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). However, genuine faith will naturally produce good works as a response to God's love and grace. As Jesus says in John 15:5, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."

Conclusion

Matthew 7:21-23 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of genuine discipleship. It challenges us to move beyond superficial expressions of faith and to cultivate a deep, authentic relationship with Jesus. It calls us to align our lives with the will of the Father, characterized by love, humility, and obedience. And it warns us against the dangers of self-deception, urging us to examine our hearts and motivations.

As we reflect on this passage, let us seek to know Christ more intimately and to be known by Him. Let us strive to do the will of the Father, not out of a desire for recognition or self-righteousness, but out of a genuine love for God and a commitment to follow Jesus in every aspect of our lives. In doing so, we will bear the fruit of the Spirit and reflect the character of Christ, living as true disciples in the kingdom of heaven.