Friday 28 February 2025
"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." (v. 21)
Background
Films and television dramas convey a lot via the script and the performance of the actors. Almost as important, though often less obvious, is the background music, which helps create a mood.
What, for you, has been the mood of the readings so far this week? Is there a particular piece or type of music that, played as an accompaniment to today’s reading, would aid your reflection?
Today's short passage talks about a final reckoning when Jesus will accept some into the kingdom of heaven and turn others away. See also Matthew 25:31-45.
It helps us gauge our lives and the lives of our most dynamic leaders. There will be leaders with powerful ministries that include prophetic teaching, casting out demons and the performance of miracles – and yet Christ will say “I never knew you” (v. 23). What is the problem?
Saying something is 'done in Jesus' name' does not make it true. In 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 Paul lists dramatic ministries that include prophecy, profound knowledge and extravagant generosity. But if the person does not have love it doesn't count for anything. The person is no more than a clanging cymbal – noisy and out of rhythm. See also the self-loving prayer in Matthew 6:5.
The problem seems to be that these good works are nowhere encouraged in the Sermon on the Mount and are all rather sensational. The fruits Jesus actually desires are those that embody the will of God – casting out anger, careful speech, inventive love, and so on. In effect, the test question is do someone's actions honour the teaching of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, or is the person just paying lip service? (See also Matthew 25:31-45.)
In the recent verses of this chapter Jesus called out anything that is artificial or egotistical in our Christian life and called us towards the light of eternity, of doing God's will.
Author of 'Amazing Grace' John Newton once said “When I get to heaven, I shall see three wonders there. The first wonder will be to see many people there whom I did not expect to see. The second wonder will be to miss many people whom I did expect to see; and the third and greatest wonder of all, will be to find myself there.”
To Ponder:
- How do you react to the statement by John Newton? Why?
- How do you understand the phrase “Thy will be done…” in the Lord’s Prayer?
Prayer
Pray for those in the Church with very public ministries.
Pray for those in the Church that the world considers successful.
Pray for the leaders in your church.
Pray for yourself.
Bible notes author: The Revd Bob Sneddon
Bob Sneddon is a retired presbyter who lives on the south coast of England. He has had five varied circuit appointments over some 40 years and before that worked in India for a year. In retirement he is enjoying making a garden and walking.