Why does Jesus deny some who call him "Lord"? Definition and Context In the Gospel of Matthew, there is a striking statement where some individuals who call Jesus “Lord” face His denial. According to Matthew 7:21–23: “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!’” This scriptural passage has prompted many to ask why Jesus would deny those who outwardly acknowledge Him as “Lord.” The following sections provide an in-depth look at the reasons behind this denial and the broader biblical teachings surrounding it. I. The Claim of “Lord” versus the Reality of Discipleship Calling Jesus “Lord” indicates an acknowledgment of His authority and divinity. In the original Greek texts, the word used is “kurios,” signifying a master or ruler. However, mere verbal acknowledgment does not equate to genuine faith, obedience, and relationship. 1. Lip Service versus True Submission: As shown in Matthew 7:21, it is not enough just to proclaim, “Lord, Lord.” The emphasis falls on doing “the will of My Father.” This highlights that genuine discipleship involves submission, obedience, and heartfelt devotion rather than empty words. In Mark 7:6, Jesus quotes Isaiah, saying, “These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me.” 2. Evaluating Actions and Motives: Jesus speaks of individuals who even perform miracles in His name (Matthew 7:22). Despite their impressive works, their hearts remain unchanged. This underscores that God sees more than external deeds; He judges the thoughts and intentions (Hebrews 4:12). Performing miracles without yielding one’s life to God can result in mere showmanship. II. Obedience as the Evidence of Genuine Faith Biblical teaching consistently affirms that true believers not only profess faith but also demonstrate it in tangible ways. 1. Matthew 7:16 – “By Their Fruit You Will Recognize Them” Shortly before Jesus’ warning about calling Him “Lord,” He teaches about good trees producing good fruit and bad trees producing bad fruit. This analogy reveals that genuine faith yields righteous works, whereas superficial faith cannot sustain true righteousness. 2. Luke 6:46 – “Why Do You Call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ but Not Do What I Say?” This parallel account reinforces that there is an inherent contradiction in addressing Jesus as “Lord” while disregarding His commands. True faith in His lordship naturally results in obedience, aligning one’s lifestyle with His teachings. 3. John 14:15 – “If You Love Me, You Will Keep My Commandments” Love and loyalty to Jesus are expressed through conscious, humble, and consistent obedience. Genuine discipleship is not only a matter of the lips but also the heart and will. III. The Connection between Knowing Christ and Being Known by Him Jesus’ denial includes a chilling statement: “I never knew you.” The concept of “knowing” in Scripture involves an intimate, personal relationship. 1. Relational Knowledge in Scripture: Throughout the Bible, “knowing” connotes relational intimacy (Genesis 4:1 uses “knew” for a deep relationship). Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:23 indicate the absence of a mutual bond, despite these individuals believing they were aligned with Him externally. 2. Dependence upon God’s Grace: Ephesians 2:8–9 teaches that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works. Even though some in Matthew 7:22 exhibit miraculous acts, good works alone are not the basis for acceptance. If there is no genuine relationship and reliance on Christ’s finished work, these outward acts do not result in salvation. 3. Repentance and Transformation: Authentic relationship with Christ involves repentance (turning away from sin) and the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. Transformation from the inside out evidences that one is indeed “known” by Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us: “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come!” IV. Consistency with the Broader Biblical Narrative The epistles in the New Testament, as well as many Old Testament passages, reinforce the principle that ceremony without sincere devotion is displeasing to God. 1. James 1:22 – “Be Doers of the Word, and Not Hearers Only” The letter of James echoes Jesus’ teaching, insisting that believers must actively apply scriptural truths. Merely hearing or professing faith is incomplete if not followed by concrete action in line with God’s will. 2. Old Testament Parallels (1 Samuel 15:22): Prophet Samuel declares, “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obedience to His voice? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice…” This principle stands throughout Scripture, emphasizing that heartfelt obedience is of greater value than outward religious displays. V. Historical Reliability and Contextual Trustworthiness The Gospels’ portrayal of Jesus’ teachings, including the denial of certain professing followers, is preserved across multiple early manuscripts. Archaeological and textual evidence support the continuity and reliable transmission of the Gospel of Matthew. 1. Early Manuscript Evidence: Ancient papyri such as Papyrus 64 (Magdalen Papyrus) attest to the Gospel of Matthew’s early circulation. These manuscripts, evaluated by expert textual critics, affirm that the passage in question (Matthew 7) has been faithfully handed down. 2. Archaeological Corroboration: Findings of first-century Jewish synagogues and city sites mentioned in the Gospels (for example, the discovery of a synagogue in Magdala) situate the recorded teachings of Jesus in an authentic historical context. These real locations reinforce confidence in the trustworthiness of the biblical text that conveys His words. 3. Unity of the Scriptural Message: Despite being written over many centuries by multiple authors, the Bible maintains a cohesive narrative. This unity underlines the consistent teaching—that genuine faith is more than mere acknowledgment of God or good works; it involves a true, transformative relationship with Him. VI. Practical Application and Warnings Jesus’ warning in Matthew 7:21–23 is not intended to discourage believers but rather to call everyone to examine their lives. 1. Self-Reflection and Sincerity: Believers are urged to ensure that their profession of faith matches their lifestyle. This involves daily repentance, prayer, immersion in Scripture, and a willingness to let the Holy Spirit bring about change in behavior and attitude. 2. Grace and Assurance through Faith: Those who trust in Christ for salvation and yield to His lordship can have confidence. As Paul writes in Romans 8:1, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” The denial Jesus speaks of applies to hypocritical or superficial claims rather than the genuine struggles and growth that characterize a true believer’s life. 3. Ongoing Growth in Discipleship: Christian discipleship is a lifelong process. Second Peter 3:18 instructs believers to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Through study, prayer, fellowship, and service, one’s relationship with Jesus deepens and matures, steering clear of a purely external profession. Conclusion Jesus’ denial of certain individuals who refer to Him as “Lord” highlights the fundamental biblical truth that genuine relationship with God surpasses mere words or outward works. This teaching calls for a life of humility, obedience, and love rooted in the transformative grace of God. Scripture maintains that the ultimate measure of faith is whether one is truly known by Christ—a reality demonstrated through sincere devotion, dependence on His redeeming sacrifice, and the active presence of God’s Spirit. By taking these warnings to heart and by living obediently under Jesus’ lordship, believers align with the will of the Father and receive the assurance of genuine fellowship with Him, now and forever. |
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