What actions might cause Jesus to say, "I do not know you"? The Words That Startle “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.’ ” (Matthew 7:22-23) “Truly I tell you, I do not know you.” (Matthew 25:12) “I tell you, I do not know where you are from. Depart from Me, all you evildoers.” (Luke 13:27) Actions That Invite the Verdict “I Do Not Know You” • Pursuing spectacular ministry while ignoring obedience – Prophesying, exorcising, or performing miracles without submitting to the Father’s will (Matthew 7:21-23). – Titus 1:16: “They profess to know God, but by their actions they deny Him.” • Practicing ongoing lawlessness – Choosing sin as a lifestyle instead of repenting (1 John 3:4-9). – Psalm 5:5: “You hate all who practice iniquity.” • Treating Jesus’ name as a tool, not as Lordship – Using His name for personal agenda, prestige, or power (Acts 19:13-16 as a warning example). • Neglecting an everyday relationship with Christ – Failing to abide in Him; becoming a fruitless branch (John 15:5-6). – 1 John 2:4: “Whoever says, ‘I know Him,’ but does not keep His commandments is a liar.” • Relying on borrowed faith instead of personal faith – The five foolish virgins assumed others’ oil would cover them (Matthew 25:1-13). – Ezekiel 18:20: “The righteousness of the righteous man will be upon him.” • Delaying preparedness for His return – Living as though there is unlimited time, leaving devotion and holiness for “later” (Matthew 24:48-51). • Trusting religious heritage or social proximity – Claiming acquaintance because of eating and drinking in His presence or hearing His teaching, yet remaining unchanged (Luke 13:26-27). – John 8:39-44 shows ancestry without faith does not save. • Loving the world’s approval more than Christ’s approval – Demas “loved this present world” and deserted Paul (2 Timothy 4:10). – James 4:4: “Friendship with the world is hostility toward God.” • Refusing to forgive others – The unforgiving servant is handed over to the jailers; Jesus warns, “So My heavenly Father will do to you” if forgiveness is withheld (Matthew 18:23-35). • Persisting in hypocrisy – Presenting an outwardly clean life while harboring filth inside (Matthew 23:25-28). – Revelation 3:1: “You have a reputation for being alive, yet you are dead.” The Heart Behind These Actions • Self-reliance over Christ-dependence • Appearance over authenticity • Momentary excitement over enduring faithfulness • Comfort with sin over pursuit of holiness Living So He Does Know You • Delight in daily, obedient fellowship with Jesus (John 14:21-23). • Walk in the Spirit, producing visible fruit (Galatians 5:22-25). • Keep short accounts with God, confessing and forsaking sin (1 John 1:9). • Serve from gratitude, not for recognition (Colossians 3:23-24). • Stay alert for His return, lamps trimmed and burning (Luke 12:35-37). |
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