The Scariest Words in Scripture: Reflections on Matthew 7:21-23 and Knowing Jesus

I love God’s Word. It tells us who God is and who we are. But some passages of Scripture are hard to understand, some we want to skip over because of the hard truth that is revealed in them, and some seem to be hard to live out.

I want to share the Bible passage I find to be the scariest. But before I do that, I invite you to share passages you find hard in the comments section. I would love to dive into those passages to seek understanding and practical ways we can live out what God’s Word says. Simply add it to the comments, and I’ll select passages to do devotionals and/or videos about so we can learn more about God and follow Him together!

The scariest passage in the Bible for me is found in Matthew 7:21-23 where Jesus says, “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, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ Then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; go away from me, you who behave lawlessly’” (Matthew 7:21-23 NRSV).

Wow! Getting to heaven and realizing that Jesus doesn’t acknowledge me! Scary!

Here, Jesus warns those who think they are doing God’s will that they may not be admitted to heaven when the time comes. They may be driving out demons, prophesying, and doing works in His name. Those are all great things, but is something missing?

Sometimes, we look to our good works instead of our faith in Jesus as our salvation. Good works and religious practices do not prove that someone is a disciple of Jesus. Through Jesus, God has invited us to know Him—to truly and sincerely know Him like we know a friend.

It is not just knowing about Jesus. A lot of people know about Jesus but don’t know Him. Even the demons know about Jesus and acknowledge His authority over them but do not give Him their allegiance.

It takes time, just like it does anytime we start getting to know someone. It takes constant communication and devotion to the relationship. The good works then come out of our love and willingness to obey God instead of the other way around.

It takes prayer, not just speaking but also listening. It takes spending time in God’s Word. I ask God almost every day to help me know Him. When I read His Word, I ask Him to help me see Him and His character in the words I read.

Sometimes, we have to evaluate our lives to see where we are. Here are a few questions to ask yourself as you do a self-evaluation:

Are you settling for good works, going to church and Bible study, or giving to the homeless, or anything else instead of truly seeking to know Jesus and God’s will for your life? Or are your good works flowing from your love and relationship with Him?

Do you claim to have a relationship with God that you don’t really have? Do you just say and do “religious” things and expect salvation? Or, is your faith in Jesus for your salvation?

What can you do today to begin getting to know Jesus better?

Don’t settle for being a works-based Christian. Seek to be a true follower of Jesus.

*Are there passages you would like to dive into and see how we can live them out in a practical way in everyday life? Or a passage you're just not sure about? Be sure to put it in the comments section! Thank you!