On Sunday, we studied Matthew 7:13-29, the final section of the Sermon on the Mount. From this passage, we learned that true disciples will hear and obey the words of Jesus. Some argue against this, claiming that Jesus was not God or divine at all, but only a good teacher. However, Jesus refutes this in verses 21-23, where he presents himself as Lord and Master.
"Lord, Lord..."
In verse 21, Jesus issues a warning:
"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 in heaven. On that day, many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, didn't we prophesy in your name, drive out demons in your name, and do many miracles in your name?' Then I will announce to them, 'I never knew you. Depart from me, you lawbreakers.'"
In the midst of the warning, we find Jesus' claim of lordship. The picture Jesus creates is of false disciples on the day of judgment, when they stand before the throne. Notice the phrases Jesus uses:
"Not everyone who says to me..."
"On that day, many will say to me..."
"Then I will announce to them, 'I never knew you. Depart from me...'"
With these and other statements, Jesus clearly depicts himself as the ultimate judge of mankind. He gives himself the title "Lord" and indicates that he has the authority to allow or prevent entry into eternal life. Jesus is more than a good teacher. He is Lord of all and he presented himself as such during his time on Earth.
Do You Know Him?
Jesus, the ultimate Lord and judge, also tells us the difference in true and false disciples: Knowing and being known. The false believers are told to depart because Jesus never knew them. Those who know Jesus personally as Savior and Lord will be welcomed into eternity. Do you know Jesus as your personal Savior? Have you trusted him to save you because you cannot save yourself? Do you know him as your Lord and King? Have you surrendered your life totally to his leadership?
If you have, rejoice in the hope of eternity and in the lordship of Jesus. If not, you can make the decision today to trust Jesus to rescue you eternally. We would love to hear from you at Concord Baptist if you make that decision or have questions about trusting Jesus.
"Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like the wise man who build his house on the rock. The rain fell, the rivers rose, and the winds blew and pounded that house. Yet it didn't collapse because its foundation was on the rock." (Matthew 7:24-25)
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