Matthew 7:23

Matthew 7:23

Here Jesus issues a sobering verdict: “I never knew you.” The siren call of religious achievement is no guarantee of relationship. This verse confronts the heart with the reality that possession of certain religious experiences or performances does not automatically grant intimate fellowship with Jesus. The phrase “depart from me” echoes prophetic warnings of judgment and emphasizes personal estrangement—distance from the source of life. The designation “work iniquity” reveals that living contrary to God’s will cancels all claims to association with him. This moment is not about petty moralism; it’s about the gravity of choosing allegiance to God or self. The context anchors hope for true disciples who abide and obey, not merely claim.

This verse affirms the necessity of genuine relationship with Christ as the basis of eternal life. It guards against transactional faith and underscores that true faith produces harmony between belief and behavior. It also reaffirms the universality of God’s call—people can prophesy, cast out demons, and perform wonders, yet without obedience, they miss the heart of the Kingdom.

Practical steps:

- Regularly examine your life for disobedience or self-serving motives.

- Seek intimacy with Jesus through prayer and Scripture to deepen knowing him.

- Align actions with God’s will, even when costly.

Cross-References: John 14:23; James 1:22; Luke 6:46; Romans 8:14; 1 John 2:3-6