Sermon on the Mount - Two Doers

(Matthew 7:15-20)

By Mary Jane Chaignot

Categories: Sermon on the Mount (Bible Study)

Moving toward the end of the Sermon, Jesus continues to lay out the choices facing his disciples – are they ready to follow his teachings, or not?
The third division is at hand.
It is important to remember that the people standing at this point are all the disciples who found and entered through the narrow gate.
They made that right decision, and they also have a genuine message.
They are not wolves in sheep's clothing.
But now there is another choice to be made.
This is the third level of the refining process.
The first is the distinction between the sacred and the secular.
The next one is between the right and wrong message.
This one focuses on a good or an evil life.
Jesus says, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven.”
This means that some of those who say “Lord, Lord,” will enter the kingdom, but clearly just saying the words is not enough.
“Lord” can be a common address.
The repetition of it, here, suggests a more respectful title.
The ones that will enter the kingdom are the ones “who do the will of my Father who is in heaven.”
“Doing the will” is in the present, suggesting continuous action.
“Doing the will” is following Jesus’ commands as laid out in the Sermon.
Jesus is, once again, reminding his audience that simply reciting the precepts of the Sermon is no substitute for actually doing the work that is commanded.
In saying “my Father,” Jesus is aligning himself with all of us.
He continues, “Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’”
“On that day” is the day of judgment, the final reckoning.
Some will highlight their activities done “in your name.”
Using someone’s name is to invoke that person’s authority.
In this case, however, they have degraded Jesus’ name.
They have invoked his name as though it provides a magic formula.
The sons of Sceva tried to imitate Paul in the same way with untoward results (see Acts 19:13).
“Prophesying” is not only predicting the future, but also proclaiming to speak truth from a position of power.
“Driving out demons” and “miracles” are spiritual acts of power.
Prophesying, driving out demons, and performing miracles can be genuine or reduced to charismatic activities.
Jesus and his disciples authentically accomplished these deeds.
Jesus is drawing a distinction between genuine actions and those that aim for the spectacular, generating a lot of enthusiasm by unsuspecting folks.
The acts might look the same, but when people rely on the accolades that come with success instead of focusing on the righteous deeds required by the Sermon, they are clearly different.
These people are going to look very successful. They may even help others.
They can cast out demons. They will be healing others.
How can this be?
It helps to remember that various people performed miracles in the ancient world.
Illness was thought to be the work of demons.
Highly charismatic people had the ability to convince those that were sick that the demon had left them.
And sometimes they would invoke Jesus’ name in the process.
They might look like they are working for God, but they are not working under God.
Jesus knows the difference and will say, “Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ ”
The word for “evildoers” is better translated “the person of lawlessness.”
That person is deliberately violating God’s will.
“I never knew you” is akin to “I have nothing to do with you.” The reasoning behind this is that they neglect to do any of Jesus’ commands.
Even though their outward antics are impressive, Jesus blows their cover.
He knows their hearts and what motivates them.
While their great works may be effective, they perform them for the compliments and tributes from others.
Their healing works are nothing more than parlor tricks.
They become intoxicated by their healings and their great speeches, but they have no interest in following any of the precepts laid out in the Sermon.
The main premise of the Sermon has to do with inward elements, with obedience to God, with issues involving truth and mercy and justice.
They are so preoccupied with getting glory from their performances that they have forgotten the people they are to serve.
Rather than glorifying God, they say, “Lord, Lord, wasn’t I great?”
Is there a beatitude in such an attitude? Where are the poor in spirit, and the hungry, and the pure in heart?
Jesus says, “I have not known that person.”
“That person” is the one who calls on God to enhance his tricks, and makes claims upon Him instead of obeying or submitting to God.
Such people do not practice what they preach, and their charade will be uncovered “on that day.”
Next are two builders.

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