Matthew 7:22-24 is about the importance of not just professing one’s faith in words, but also living according to the teachings of Jesus in order to build a strong foundation in faith and be recognized by God in the end.
22 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?’
23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’
24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”
Setting the Scene for Matthew 7:22-24
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 set with Jesus, surrounded by his disciples and a multitude of people from various regions who have come to hear his teachings. The atmosphere is charged with anticipation as Jesus imparts profound wisdom and guidance on various aspects of life and faith.
Among the crowd are also Pharisees and religious leaders who are observing Jesus closely, skeptical of his teachings and authority. As Jesus reaches the verses in Matthew 7:22-24, he speaks about the importance of not just hearing his words but also putting them into practice. He warns that not everyone who calls him “Lord” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only those who do the will of his Father in heaven.
The setting is serene, with the gentle breeze carrying Jesus’ words across the crowd, the sun setting over the horizon casting a warm glow on the faces of those gathered. The tension is palpable as Jesus challenges the traditional beliefs and practices of the religious leaders, urging his listeners to go beyond mere outward displays of faith and embrace a deeper, more authentic relationship with God.
What is Matthew 7:22-24 about?
This verse reminds us of the importance of genuine faith and following Jesus in both words and actions. It challenges the notion that simply claiming to be a follower of Jesus is enough to secure a place in the kingdom of heaven. It emphasizes the need for a true and sincere commitment to living out the principles and teachings of Jesus.
Think about what it means to truly follow Jesus. It requires more than just verbal profession – it involves a deep personal relationship with Him, a transformation of the heart, and a life that reflects His love and teachings. Are we truly living out our faith in a way that honors Jesus and His message? This verse calls us to evaluate our own lives and ensure that our faith is more than just lip service.
Let this verse serve as a reminder to continually seek to deepen our relationship with Jesus, to strive for authenticity in our faith, and to live in a way that aligns with His teachings. It challenges us to examine the sincerity of our devotion and encourages us to actively seek to grow closer to Jesus each day. Let’s not just claim to follow Him, but truly live out His teachings in a way that transforms our lives and impacts those around us.
Understanding what Matthew 7:22-24 really means
These verses from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of authentic faith and obedience in the eyes of God. As Jesus speaks about the Day of Judgment, where individuals will stand before Him, He highlights the sobering reality that many may come forward boasting of their religious deeds, yet lack a genuine relationship with Him. The repeated cries of “Lord, Lord” from these individuals who claim to have prophesied and performed miracles in Jesus’ name underscore the emphasis on outward actions that may mask a shallow faith within.
In response to these claims, Jesus delivers a striking verdict: “I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!” This declaration cuts to the core of the issue – that true discipleship is not merely about external displays of religiosity but about a deep, personal relationship with Christ. The key takeaway is that knowing Jesus intimately is paramount; without this foundational connection, even the most impressive works are rendered meaningless in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Drawing parallels from other biblical passages, such as James 2:17, which stresses the inseparable link between faith and action, and 1 Samuel 16:7, which highlights God’s focus on the heart rather than outward appearances, we are reminded of the consistent biblical theme that genuine faith is evidenced by a transformed heart leading to righteous actions. John 15:5 further reinforces the necessity of abiding in Christ for our deeds to bear lasting spiritual fruit, emphasizing the vital role of a personal relationship with Him.
In today’s society, where superficial displays of religiosity and self-righteousness can easily deceive both others and ourselves, these verses challenge us to evaluate the authenticity of our faith. Are we merely going through the motions of religious practices to gain approval or recognition, or do our actions flow from a sincere love for Christ? The anecdote of a man who outwardly appears devout but lacks a genuine relationship with Jesus serves as a cautionary tale, prompting us to examine our own motives and priorities.
Ultimately, this passage calls for introspection and a reevaluation of our spiritual lives. It urges us to move beyond surface-level Christianity and pursue a deep, intimate connection with Christ. By prioritizing a genuine relationship with Jesus over external displays of religiosity, we align our hearts with His will and ensure that our faith is not a facade but a true reflection of our love for Him. May we heed this call to authenticity and wholeheartedly seek to know and be known by our Lord and Savior.
Are we truly serving and knowing Jesus?
Jesus warns about the danger of claiming to serve Him while not truly knowing Him in Matthew 7:22-24. He emphasizes that mere lip service and performing extraordinary acts in His name are not enough. True disciples of Jesus are those who not only proclaim His name but also live out His teachings in their daily lives. This passage challenges us to examine our motivations and actions, reminding us that it is not enough to simply talk about Jesus or do good deeds in His name if we do not have a genuine relationship with Him.
To truly serve and know Jesus means to seek a personal and intimate relationship with Him, to abide in His word, and to allow His teachings to shape our thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors. It involves surrendering our will to His, seeking His guidance and direction in all areas of our lives, and striving to follow Him wholeheartedly. Serving Jesus goes beyond outward appearances and religious practices; it requires a transformation of the heart and a willingness to submit to His lordship. Reflect on the passage in Matthew 7:22-24 and evaluate whether your service to Jesus is rooted in a deep and authentic relationship with Him. May we seek to not only profess His name but to live as true disciples, bearing fruits of love, obedience, and righteousness that are evidence of our genuine faith and commitment to Him. Let us diligently examine our hearts and motives to ensure that our service is pleasing and acceptable in the sight of our Lord.
Application
Let’s not just talk the talk, let’s walk the walk in our faith journey. Let’s dive deep into our connection with God, allowing it to shape every aspect of our lives. Let’s be true disciples, embodying our beliefs with genuineness and passion. Are we ready to go all in and let our faith shine brightly in the world?
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.