NPC MediaKnown by Jesus, Not Our Works
Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will tell me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name, in your name cast out demons, and in your name do many mighty works?’ Then I will tell them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you who work iniquity.’
Our Lord Jesus Christ gave a very serious warning about religious activities that may seem impressive but are not rooted in a genuine relationship with Him. In this passage, He tells us that not everyone who calls Him 'Lord, Lord' will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. It is not just about saying the right words or even performing mighty deeds in His name, but about doing the will of His Father in heaven.
Imagine the surprise, or even shock, for those who will stand before Jesus on that final day, listing their spiritual achievements: 'Didn’t we prophesy in your name, in your name cast out demons, and in your name do many mighty works?' They believed their actions were serving God. Yet, Jesus’ response is stark: 'I never knew you. Depart from me, you who work iniquity.' This tells us that even powerful spiritual gifts and activities, if separated from a true, intimate relationship with Jesus, are ultimately empty.
This teaching is very important for us today. Sometimes we might be tempted to think that certain actions or sacrifices we make will earn us favour with God or secure a miracle. We might be told to fast a certain way for a breakthrough, or to buy a special item, or to 'sow a seed' of money with the belief that these things will force God's hand or make Jesus' sacrifice more effective. But this passage reminds us that these external performances, if not born from a heart that truly knows Jesus and seeks to obey His Father's will, are not enough.
Our salvation, our standing with God, and our access to His grace are secured entirely by what Jesus did on the cross. His sacrifice was complete and sufficient. What Jesus calls for is a personal relationship with Him, a heart that truly knows Him and seeks to live according to His ways, not just through outward show. Our obedience and good works are a fruit of that relationship, not the root of it. Let us examine our hearts and ensure our faith is in Him alone, and not in our own efforts.
Let's Pray
Almighty God, we thank You for the completed work of Jesus Christ on the cross. Forgive us for any times we have relied on our own actions or religious performances instead of a genuine relationship with Your Son. Help us to truly know Jesus and to humbly seek and obey Your will each day. May our lives be a testament to our love for You, flowing from the grace we have received, and not from a desire to earn Your favour. Amen.
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