Matthew 7:21-23 21Not 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. 22Many will say to me in that day, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name cast out demons, and in your name do many mighty works?” 23And then will I say to them, “I never knew you; away from me, you workers of lawlessness.”
Jesus gives another warning to his disciples in these verses, focusing upon the type of response they should give to his sermon and words. He further defines the type of knowledge mentioned in verse 22. Inadequate knowledge can be described as intellectual awareness. Professing to be a disciple or Christian is not enough to get one to heaven. There are many people who believe Jesus was a good teacher and even a prophet of God but they lack saving faith. They may even make a “profession of faith,” but this profession is shallow and lacks the type of commitment Jesus asks of his disciples.
The second type of knowledge is shown by action. Genuine and sincere faith is always shown by obedience. Faith without obedience is only awareness, which even the demons have (James 2:19). The key point is to do the will of our heavenly Father. Jesus again reflects on the prayer he taught his disciples: “your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (6:10). The “on earth” begins in our own hearts and minds. We must choose the path of obedience.
Many people who profess to be Christians will be surprised in that day, referring to the day of the Lord, the day of judgment. They may have been involved in impressive religious acts but lacked the more essential heart transformation. Prophesying, casting out demons, and doing might works look impressive to people but not to God. God is more interested in people following the revelation of Messiah Jesus. The phrase in your name shows that they even claimed the authority of Jesus’ name. These people are no better than the false prophets from verses 15-20. Jesus calls these people lawless in verse 23.
Jesus will have the last word about the eternal destiny of empty claimers of discipleship. Some of the saddest words of the Bible are given in verse 23: I never knew you. These people never had any real faith. The idea of knowing Jesus (egnōn) is important in the Sermon on the Mount and this chapter. To know Jesus requires faith that acts in love to others and obedience to Jesus’ commands.
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