21 “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.”
Setting the Scene for Matthew 7:21
In Matthew chapter 7, Jesus is delivering the Sermon on the Mount to a large crowd gathered on a mountainside near the Sea of Galilee. The scene is serene, with the gentle breeze carrying the scent of wildflowers and the sound of birds chirping in the background. The crowd is a mix of people from various walks of life, including fishermen, farmers, merchants, and religious leaders, all drawn to hear the teachings of this renowned rabbi.
Among the listeners is a group of Pharisees, known for their strict adherence to religious laws, as well as disciples who have been following Jesus and learning from his wisdom and miracles. As Jesus speaks about the importance of not just hearing his words but also putting them into practice, the crowd listens intently, some nodding in agreement while others ponder the implications of his message. The atmosphere is charged with anticipation as Jesus challenges the traditional beliefs and practices of the time, urging his listeners to seek a deeper, more authentic relationship with God.
In this pivotal moment, Jesus emphasizes the importance of genuine faith and obedience to God’s will, warning that not everyone who calls him “Lord” will enter the kingdom of heaven. The scene is filled with a sense of urgency and introspection as the crowd grapples with the implications of Jesus’ words, knowing that true discipleship requires more than just outward displays of religious devotion.
What is Matthew 7:21 about?
This verse is a powerful reminder that mere words and lip service are not enough to guarantee entry into the kingdom of heaven. It emphasizes the importance of genuine faith and true relationship with God over empty religious practices or outward expressions of devotion. Jesus is cautioning us against hypocrisy and vanity by pointing out that not everyone who professes to follow Him will truly be welcomed into His kingdom. We, as teachers of faith, must encourage our students to go beyond surface-level expressions of belief and to cultivate a deep and authentic relationship with God. We should challenge ourselves and our students to reflect on our actions and motivations, ensuring that our faith is not just a show put on for others but a sincere and genuine commitment to living out God’s teachings. This verse serves as a call to introspection and a reminder of the importance of aligning our words with our actions in order to truly enter the kingdom of heaven.
Understanding what Matthew 7:21 really means
Structure for Commentary:
- Introduction
- Examination of Key Phrases
- Cross-Referencing Other Biblical Passages
- Relevance to Modern Life
- Anecdotal Illustration
- Jesus issues a profound warning about true discipleship and the authenticity of one’s faith in the Gospel of Matthew. This verse serves as a reminder that mere verbal profession is not sufficient for entry into the kingdom of heaven. It urges us to reflect on the nature of our relationship with God and the sincerity of our actions.
Examination of Key Phrases:
The phrase “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’” highlights the superficiality that can exist in our faith expressions. Repetition of “Lord” signifies an emphatic acknowledgment of Jesus’ authority, yet Jesus indicates that verbal acknowledgment alone is inadequate.
The subsequent clause, “will enter the kingdom of heaven,” shifts the focus from words to actions. It suggests that entrance into God’s kingdom requires more than just recognition; it demands a congruence between our words and our deeds.
Cross-Referencing Other Biblical Passages:
James 2:17 reinforces this teaching by stating, “faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” This underscores the necessity of aligning our faith with our works. Similarly, in Luke 6:46, Jesus asks, “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” These passages collectively emphasize the principle that genuine faith manifests in obedience and righteous living. This verse challenges us to examine the authenticity of our faith in a world where outward appearances often take precedence. It calls us to move beyond superficial religiosity and to cultivate a relationship with God that is reflected in our actions. Whether in our personal lives or in our communities, the call to “do the will of my Father who is in heaven” is a timeless directive that urges us to live out our faith daily. A man who attended church every Sunday, proclaimed his faith loudly, and was known for his eloquent prayers is considered in this anecdotal illustration. Yet, outside the church, his actions contradicted his profession; he was dishonest in business and unkind to his neighbors. His life was a stark reminder that saying “Lord, Lord” without embodying the principles of the kingdom is hollow.
Conversely, there was a woman who rarely spoke about her faith but lived it through her kindness, integrity, and service to others. Her life exemplified what it means to do the will of the Father, showing that true discipleship is recognized by actions, not just words.
Reflection and Call to Action:
Reflect on your own life: Are your actions consistent with your professed beliefs? This verse challenges us to evaluate our faith not by what we say but by what we do. It calls us to seek a deeper, more authentic relationship with God, one that transforms every aspect of our lives. Let this verse inspire you to live out your faith in tangible ways, ensuring that your words and actions are in harmony, reflecting the will of the Father in heaven.
Are my actions aligned with God’s will?
When evaluating whether your actions are aligned with God’s will, consider the essence of the verse: not everyone who calls out to God or claims to follow Him will enter the kingdom of heaven. Instead, it is those who do the will of the Father. This verse emphasizes the importance of genuine faith and a life lived in accordance with God’s commands rather than mere lip service or superficial declarations of belief.
Reflect on whether your actions are truly reflective of God’s will and commands. Are you striving to live a life of obedience, love, and service to Him and others, or are your actions motivated by self-interest, pride, or hypocrisy? Consider if you are seeking God’s guidance, following His teachings, and genuinely aligning your life with His will. Whether your actions and intentions are aligned with God’s will truly matters, not simply professing faith or engaging in religious practices. You can ensure that your actions are in harmony with His divine plan by focusing on living according to His commands, serving others with love and compassion, and seeking to glorify God in all that you do.
Application
Look at your life like a busy workweek or a packed family schedule. Are you just talking about faith like a distant project, or are you actively living it out like a daily task? This isn’t about lip service; it’s about genuinely showing your commitment to God in your actions. Challenge yourself to align your deeds with your beliefs every single day. Think about it: Are you truly walking the talk?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.