Understanding True Discipleship
In Matthew 7:21-23, Jesus delivers a sobering warning that should cause every professing Christian to pause and reflect. He declares that not everyone who calls Him “Lord” will enter the kingdom of heaven. This passage reveals a profound truth about what it means to truly follow Christ versus merely claiming His name.
What Does It Mean When Jesus Says “I Never Knew You”?
Jesus begins with a startling statement: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father in heaven.” This comes after Jesus has already spoken about the narrow gate that leads to life and warned about false prophets.
The context is crucial. Jesus is providing clarity about who is genuinely walking with Him versus those who merely claim to be. He describes the path of discipleship as narrow, difficult, and found by few. This self-denial lifestyle—picking up your cross and following Christ as Lord—stands in stark contrast to the wide gate of self-indulgence that many choose.
Why Is Religious Talk Not Enough for Salvation?
Jesus specifically addresses those who use religious language and even call Him “Lord” with passion. Yet He makes it clear that confessing Jesus as Lord is insufficient. Even appearing devoted or praising Him enthusiastically isn’t enough.
As Matthew 15:8 reminds us: “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.” God desires life service, not merely lip service. Real profession means:
- Repenting of your sins
- Believing the gospel
- Following Jesus daily with your cross
- Producing fruit that reflects His character
Luke 6:46 captures this perfectly: “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?”
Can You Do Works in Jesus’ Name and Still Be Rejected?
Perhaps the most shocking part of this passage is when Jesus describes people who have done impressive spiritual works:
“Many will say to me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?'”
These individuals performed what appeared to be legitimate ministry—preaching, casting out demons, and performing wonders—all while invoking Jesus’ name. Yet Jesus responds with the chilling words: “I never knew you; depart from me, you who practice lawlessness.”
The key insight: doing things “in His name” does not necessarily mean doing them “in His will.” Many use Jesus’ name for their own fame rather than His glory. True discipleship isn’t measured by impressive works but by a committed relationship with God that seeks to glorify Him rather than oneself.
What Does It Mean to Be Known by Jesus?
The heart of this passage is about relationship. Jesus says, “I never knew you,” highlighting that what matters most is not what we do for Him but whether we know Him and are known by Him.
John 10:14 says, “I am the good Shepherd; I know my own, and my own know me.” This mutual knowing is the essence of salvation. It’s not about religious performance but about genuine relationship.
In the rejected relationship Jesus describes:
- There was no repentance
- There was no relationship (no ability to hear Him)
- There was no reverence (no fruit like Him)
Many will point to their works, but Jesus will point to the relationship—or lack thereof. He’s saying, “We didn’t have an interactive relationship. We didn’t talk. You didn’t pray. You were just telling me things you wanted me to do.”
What Does It Mean to Practice Lawlessness?
Jesus concludes by calling these rejected individuals those “who practice lawlessness.” This refers to compromised followers—people who don’t outright reject Christ but who commingle godliness and worldliness. They profess Christ but have divided loyalty, living consistently in contradiction to His teachings.
These are people who regularly choose self-indulgence and pleasures over self-denial and the cross. They may go to church and claim to love Jesus, but their lifestyle denies His lordship.
First John 3:9 reminds us: “Those who have been born into God’s family do not make a practice of sinning… because God’s life is in them.” While Christians aren’t perfect, there should be evidence of God’s transforming work in their lives.
Life Application
The message is clear: works without relationship are worthless. God looks at the heart, not the hype. Jesus must know you relationally for you to be with Him eternally. Our lives should reflect Christ—not perfectly, but genuinely.
This week, take time to evaluate your walk with Christ:
- Examine your relationship with Jesus: Is it interactive or one-sided? Do you talk with Him or just at Him?
- Check your fruit: Does your character reflect Christ’s character? Are you becoming more like Him?
- Consider your motivations: Are you serving for His glory or your recognition?
- Embrace the narrow path: Are you taking the difficult route of self-denial or the easy path of self-indulgence?
- Submit to the cross daily: Ask yourself, “Am I doing the will of the Father or just using religious language?”
Remember, the Christian walk should involve tension—the daily challenge of dying to self and following Christ. This tension isn’t a sign of failure but evidence that you’re on the narrow path that leads to life.