How does Luke 13:26 connect with Matthew 7:21-23 about knowing Christ? Setting the Scene Luke 13 and Matthew 7 record Jesus’ words at different moments, yet both passages drive home the same point: superficial association with Christ is not enough—He must know us in genuine relationship. Key Texts “Then you will say, ‘We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets.’” “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’” Shared Warning: Familiarity Is Not Relationship • In both scenes, people point to outward proximity—eating with Jesus, hearing His teaching, ministering in His name. • Jesus responds that such tokens are insufficient; He looks for a heart-level connection rooted in obedience and faith (cf. John 14:15). The Criterion: Doing the Father’s Will • Matthew 7:21 identifies the decisive mark: “he who does the will of My Father.” • Luke’s context (vv. 24-27) echoes this by emphasizing striving to enter through the narrow door—an image of repentant faith that leads to obedience. • 1 John 2:3-4 reinforces: “By this we know that we have come to know Him: if we keep His commandments.” Indicators of True Knowledge of Christ – Ongoing repentance and faith (Acts 26:20). – Obedience from the heart, not mere performance (Romans 6:17). – Love for Christ and His people (John 13:35). – Perseverance to the end (Hebrews 3:14). – Inner witness of the Spirit confirming adoption (Romans 8:16). The Sobering Final Verdict • Both passages culminate in a closed door and the chilling words “I never knew you.” • The phrase points not to Christ’s lack of information but to the absence of covenant relationship (see 2 Timothy 2:19). • Works done “in Your name” can mask a heart still practicing “lawlessness.” Genuine faith produces righteous fruit (Matthew 7:17-18, James 2:17). Personal Reflection and Response • Examine whether your confidence rests on proximity (church attendance, ministry activity) or on a living, obedient trust in Christ. • Rejoice that Jesus promises, “I am the good shepherd; I know My sheep and My sheep know Me” (John 10:14). • Renew commitment to walk in the Father’s will, assured that those truly known by Christ will never be cast out (John 6:37). |
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