Matthew 7:21- “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.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Jesus teaches that simply claiming to follow Him or acknowledging Him as Lord is not enough to secure a place in the kingdom of heaven. True discipleship is marked by obedience to God’s will. Saying “Lord, Lord” indicates recognition of Jesus’ authority, but without a life that aligns with His teachings, such words are meaningless. This warning emphasizes that faith must be genuine and evidenced by actions that reflect submission to God. Jesus highlights the difference between mere verbal profession and authentic commitment to God’s will.
Historical Context
Jesus spoke these words during the Sermon on the Mount, a teaching that challenged religious norms of the time. Many Jewish leaders, particularly the Pharisees, were known for their outward displays of piety while neglecting the deeper matters of the heart, such as justice, mercy, and faithfulness (Matthew 23:23). In this context, Jesus was calling His audience to go beyond external religion and focus on true obedience to God. This would have been a striking challenge to those who relied on rituals or traditions rather than a genuine relationship with God.
Theological Implications
This verse underscores the necessity of aligning faith with action. Genuine faith leads to a transformed life marked by obedience to God’s will. It challenges the idea that verbal acknowledgment or outward religious activity is sufficient for salvation. Instead, it points to the need for a heart that seeks God’s will and lives it out daily. It also highlights God’s justice—He sees beyond words and appearances, evaluating the sincerity of our hearts and the fruit of our lives.
Literary Analysis
The repetition of “Lord, Lord” emphasizes the speaker’s apparent devotion and recognition of Jesus’ authority, but the contrast between words and actions is the central focus. The structure of the verse sets up a distinction: not all who acknowledge Jesus as Lord will enter the kingdom, but only those who do the Father’s will. This sharp contrast draws attention to the importance of obedience and genuine faith. The verse fits within the broader theme of Matthew 7, which calls for discernment and a life aligned with God’s truth.
Biblical Cross-References
- James 1:22: “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
- Luke 6:46: “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?”
- Matthew 12:50: “For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”
- John 14:15: “If you love me, keep my commands.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a reminder that genuine faith involves more than words. It challenges believers to examine their lives and ask whether their actions reflect their professed faith in Jesus. It calls for a deeper commitment to God’s will, as revealed in His Word and through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This verse also reminds Christians that their relationship with God is about transformation and obedience, not just outward appearances or rituals.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is evident in His desire for authentic relationships with His people. He doesn’t want superficial devotion or empty words; He wants hearts that are fully devoted to Him. This verse shows that God values sincerity and obedience, which lead to lives that reflect His character. His love motivates Him to guide us toward His will, which is always for our good and His glory.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the ultimate example of someone who perfectly did the will of the Father. In John 6:38, He said, “For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.” Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus provided the way for us to be reconciled to God and empowered to live in obedience to Him. His teaching in this verse challenges us to follow His example of submitting to God’s will in every aspect of our lives.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does it mean to you to “do the will of the Father”?
- How can you ensure that your faith is more than just words and that it’s reflected in your actions?
- Are there areas in your life where you struggle to align your actions with God’s will?
- How does Jesus’ example of obedience encourage you in your walk with God?
- What steps can you take to deepen your understanding of God’s will and live it out daily?
This verse calls us to a faith that goes beyond words and is demonstrated through a life of obedience and commitment to God. By seeking His will and relying on Jesus as our example and strength, we can live lives that truly reflect our love for Him.