Compare Luke 13:27 with Matthew 7:23. What similar warnings are given? Setting the Scene • Both passages record Jesus’ sober words about the final judgment. • Luke 13 is spoken on the way to Jerusalem after someone asks, “Lord, will only a few be saved?” (Luke 13:23). • Matthew 7 forms part of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus unpacks kingdom righteousness. The Verses Side by Side • Luke 13:27: “But He will reply, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you are from. Depart from Me, all you evildoers!’” • Matthew 7:23: “Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’” Shared Warnings • A future separation is certain—Jesus Himself dismisses the unfaithful. • Mere association with Jesus (hearing Him preach, working miracles, eating and drinking in His presence) is not enough. • True relationship is identified by obedience; persistent lawlessness exposes a counterfeit faith. • Judgment is irreversible; the door is shut (Luke 13:25), and the sentence is final. Key Phrases Explained • “I do not know where you are from” / “I never knew you” – No covenant relationship existed (cf. John 10:14; 2 Timothy 2:19). • “Depart from Me” – Eternal exclusion from God’s presence (cf. 2 Thessalonians 1:9). • “Workers of lawlessness / evildoers” – Continual practice of sin proves the heart’s true allegiance (1 John 3:4–10). Other Scriptures Echoing the Same Note • Luke 6:46—“Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” • Titus 1:16—“They profess to know God, but by their actions they deny Him.” • James 1:22—“Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” Living in Light of the Warning • Examine the foundation—faith must rest on Christ’s finished work, not on religious activity (Ephesians 2:8-9). • Pursue obedience that flows from love, proving genuine discipleship (John 14:15). • Bear fruit in keeping with repentance (Matthew 3:8); a changed life affirms a changed heart. The passages stand as a gracious alert: authentic, obedient faith is the only sure ground on the day when every life meets the King. |
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