Why does Jesus say 'depart from me, I never knew you'?

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus delivers a startling and sobering message in the Sermon on the Mount. This message, found in Matthew 7:21-23, includes the phrase, "Depart from me, I never knew you." To understand why Jesus would say such a thing, we must delve deeply into the context, the theological implications, and the broader narrative of the New Testament.

Context and Setting

The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) is one of Jesus' most comprehensive discourses, covering a wide range of ethical and spiritual teachings. In Matthew 7:21-23, Jesus addresses the issue of true discipleship. He states:

"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'"

Superficial Faith vs. Genuine Relationship

The key to understanding this passage lies in distinguishing between superficial faith and a genuine relationship with Jesus. The individuals Jesus refers to are those who outwardly profess faith and even perform miraculous deeds in His name. Yet, despite their outward actions, Jesus declares that He never knew them. This indicates that their relationship with Him was not authentic.

Jesus emphasizes the importance of doing the will of the Father. The will of the Father, as revealed throughout the Gospels, involves loving God and loving others (Matthew 22:37-40), seeking first the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33), and living a life marked by humility, repentance, and obedience. Mere verbal acknowledgment of Jesus as "Lord" is insufficient; what matters is a heart transformed by the Holy Spirit, resulting in a life that reflects God's character and priorities.

The Nature of True Discipleship

True discipleship is not about external actions alone but about an internal transformation that leads to a life aligned with God's will. Jesus' statement, "I never knew you," underscores the relational aspect of faith. To be "known" by Jesus implies an intimate, personal relationship with Him. This relationship is characterized by ongoing communication, trust, and obedience.

The apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in his letter to the Galatians, where he contrasts the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:19-23). Those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires and live by the Spirit. This transformation is evidence of a true relationship with Jesus.

The Danger of Self-Deception

Another critical aspect of this passage is the danger of self-deception. The individuals Jesus addresses are confident in their standing before Him, citing their miraculous works as evidence of their faith. However, their confidence is misplaced. This serves as a warning that it is possible to be involved in religious activities and yet be far from God in one's heart.

Jesus' parable of the sheep and the goats in Matthew 25:31-46 further illustrates this point. In this parable, both groups are surprised by Jesus' judgment. The sheep, who inherit the kingdom, are commended for their acts of kindness and mercy, which they performed without seeking recognition. The goats, on the other hand, are condemned for their failure to act, despite their apparent religious affiliation.

The Role of Faith and Works

The relationship between faith and works is a recurring theme in the New Testament. James, the brother of Jesus, addresses this issue in his epistle, stating that faith without works is dead (James 2:14-26). Genuine faith inevitably produces good works, not as a means of earning salvation, but as a natural outflow of a transformed heart.

Jesus' warning in Matthew 7:21-23 is not a call to legalism but a call to authentic faith that manifests in obedience to God's will. The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, emphasizes that we are saved by grace through faith, not by works, but we are created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand for us to do (Ephesians 2:8-10).

The Assurance of Salvation

While Jesus' words in Matthew 7:21-23 are indeed sobering, they are not meant to lead believers into a state of perpetual doubt about their salvation. Instead, they serve as a call to examine the authenticity of one's faith. The apostle John provides assurance to believers in his first epistle, stating that those who believe in the name of the Son of God can know that they have eternal life (1 John 5:13).

John also emphasizes the importance of abiding in Christ. In John 15, Jesus uses the metaphor of the vine and the branches to illustrate the necessity of remaining connected to Him. Those who abide in Christ will bear much fruit, while those who do not will be cast away. This abiding relationship is marked by love, obedience, and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.

The Call to Self-Examination

Jesus' warning in Matthew 7:21-23 calls for self-examination. The apostle Paul encourages believers to examine themselves to see whether they are in the faith (2 Corinthians 13:5). This examination is not about achieving perfection but about ensuring that one's faith is genuine and that one's life reflects the transformative power of the gospel.

In practical terms, this means evaluating one's motivations, actions, and relationship with God. Are we seeking to do God's will out of love for Him, or are we merely going through the motions? Are our lives marked by the fruit of the Spirit, or are we living in a way that contradicts our professed faith?

The Grace of God

Ultimately, the message of Matthew 7:21-23 should drive us to a deeper reliance on God's grace. None of us can achieve the standard of perfect obedience on our own. It is only through the grace of God, given to us in Jesus Christ, that we can be transformed and empowered to live according to His will.

Jesus' warning is a call to humility, repentance, and a renewed commitment to follow Him wholeheartedly. It is a reminder that true discipleship involves more than outward actions; it requires a heart that is surrendered to God and a life that is lived in intimate relationship with Him.

Conclusion

In summary, Jesus' statement, "Depart from me, I never knew you," serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of genuine faith and true discipleship. It challenges us to move beyond superficial religious activities and to pursue a deep, abiding relationship with Jesus. By examining our hearts, seeking to do the will of the Father, and relying on the grace of God, we can ensure that our faith is authentic and that we are truly known by Him.