Matthew 7:23

Tuesday, 18 February 2025

 

And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ Matthew 7:23

 

“And then, I will assent to them that, ‘Never I knew you! You depart from Me – Those working lawlessness!’” (CG).

 

In the previous verse, Jesus spoke of those who will call out saying that they had prophesied in His name, cast out demons in His name, and done many wonders in His name. And yet, it will be seen that their conduct was not because of faith in Him. That is realized in His next words which begin with, “And then, I will assent to them.”

 

The word homologeó is introduced here. It is derived from homou, the same or together, and logos, a word, as in a statement or speech. Thus, the thought is more than just “declare.” It signifies to agree with or speak the same. As such, it means to assent, a word defined as the expression of approval or agreement.

 

These people have stated their case before the Lord. They have claimed that their actions were based on His name. He, knowing that it was a false pretense, will assent “that, “Never I knew you!”

 

The word oudepote, never, is introduced here. It is derived from oude, not, and pote, a disjunctive particle signifying once, formerly, ever, etc. Taken together, it signifies “not ever” and thus, never. There is no point at which Jesus knew them. Their works were always unsanctioned by Him.

 

Therefore, the assent or agreement is that they had, in fact, done these things. He will acknowledge it is so, but their actions, despite being done in His name, were not with His approval. They simply went about saying and doing things without the proper allowances for them to be done, meaning truly being one of His followers. His words are a denial that they are. Because this is so, He next says, “You depart from Me – Those working lawlessness!”

 

Again, Jesus introduces new words. The first is apochóreó, to depart. It is derived from words signifying away and to make room. A paraphrased thought based on these roots would be “Get away from me and give me space.” But saying depart sufficiently explains the matter.

 

The next new word is the verb ergazomai. It is derived from ergon, work. Thus, it is the action of working. It is something a person is engaged in to accomplish a task. In this case, Jesus tells them to depart from Him because they are engaged in anomia, lawlessness.

 

The word is formed from the negative particle a and nomos, law. Hence, it signifies without law, lawlessness. Despite having done the things they did in Jesus’ name. They had no law allowing them to do so. Deeds done in Jesus’ name must be done in faith or they have no true basis of being in His name.

 

The reason for this is that saying or doing something in the name of someone you don’t believe in is a fool’s business. It is like a professor who teaches the Bible but who doesn’t believe the Bible is what it claims to be.

 

Life application: Politicians love to invoke the name of Jesus when it is convenient. But few of them will actually stand up and say, “I am a follower of Jesus Christ.” Someday, people will be gathered before the Lord and they will understand that He truly is the Lord of all.

 

When they are there, many will fall back on their words. Those politicians who invoked Jesus’ name or who arbitrarily used Jesus’ words for their own purposes might call out, “I proclaimed your name in churches all over America while on the campaign trail.” He will say to them words in accord with those of Matthew 7:23.

 

This will be true of many people in the pulpit as well. Based on his life and actions, this appears to be the case with the current pope. These people invoke Jesus’ name, but their lives and actions have nothing in common with the truth of who Jesus is and what He directs as is recorded in Scripture.

 

Be sure that when you consider the word, you don’t just do so for external show, but for internal guidance. When you praise Jesus, do it in faith that He hears. Anything, no matter how small it is, when it is done in faith will receive its rewards. Have faith and be at peace with God through His wonderful Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus.

 

O God, You have given us Jesus to lead us back to Yourself. Help us to fix our eyes on Him and maintain Him as our first love all our days. Thank You for Jesus who returns us to You through His perfection. Yes, thank You for Jesus! Amen.