Introduction
In today’s world, where outward appearances and superficial commitments can easily overshadow genuine devotion, the words of Jesus in Matthew 7:21-23 resonate with profound urgency. This passage challenges believers to reflect deeply on the nature of their faith and relationship with Christ.
The Words of Jesus
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21)
Jesus begins by highlighting that not everyone who calls Him ‘Lord’ will enter the kingdom of heaven. This is a stark reminder that true discipleship involves more than just verbal acknowledgment or performing religious acts. It calls for an authentic, heartfelt commitment to living according to God’s will. Merely saying the right words or performing impressive deeds in His name doesn’t guarantee acceptance by Jesus.
The Will of the Father
“Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me.” (John 14:21)
The true mark of discipleship, according to Jesus, is doing the will of His Father. This means aligning our lives with God’s purposes and commands. Those who are given to Jesus by the Father are those who sincerely seek to understand and follow God’s will, allowing it to transform every aspect of their lives. Genuine faith manifests in obedience and a desire to fulfill God’s purposes.
Misunderstanding and Self-Deception
“The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9)
The passage serves as a warning against self-deception. Some individuals might believe they are following Jesus when they are actually misunderstanding His teachings. It’s possible to engage in religious activities and still miss the essence of Jesus’ message. This misunderstanding can lead to the tragic realization that their connection to Jesus was superficial.
Connection to Jesus
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)
While many recognized Jesus’ authority and performed acts in His name, their connection to Him was flawed. True discipleship is characterized by an intimate, transformative relationship with Jesus. It’s not enough to acknowledge Him verbally or engage in acts of service; it’s about cultivating a genuine connection that reflects His teachings on love, grace, righteousness, and truth in our daily lives.
Who Are Given to Jesus
“All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.” (John 6:37)
Ultimately, those who are truly given to Jesus by the Father are those who live out their faith authentically. Their lives are a testament to the transformative power of their relationship with Christ. They understand that faith is not a mere checklist of actions but a continuous journey of aligning themselves with God’s will.
Conclusion
The message of Matthew 7:21-23 is a call to introspection and sincerity. It challenges believers to examine their hearts and ensure their faith is deeply rooted in a true relationship with Jesus, guided by the will of God. In a world where appearances can be deceiving, Jesus calls us to cultivate an authentic faith that goes beyond words and actions and transforms our very being.
Reflection and Invitation
“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.” (2 Corinthians 13:5)
- How can I deepen my relationship with Jesus beyond mere words and actions?
- What areas of my life need more alignment with God’s will?
- In what ways might I be misunderstanding Jesus’ teachings?
- How can I cultivate a faith that reflects genuine love and obedience?
I invite you to share your thoughts and reflections in the comments below. Your insights and questions can help us all grow in our journey of faith.
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Inspirations of Love and Hope 
Thank you 🙏