top of page

Key Passages that taught me to
seek, find and know Christ

kingdom man .jpg

 

 

    "Depart from me, for I never knew you"

  • Matthew 7:21-23 (NIV): "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. 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 in your name perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'"

  • Context:

    • This is part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), where He teaches about genuine discipleship and warns against superficial faith.

    • Jesus describes the final judgment, where some who claim allegiance to Him will be rejected because their actions did not reflect genuine obedience or a relationship with God.

  • Key Themes:

    • Relationship with God: It’s not enough to outwardly perform religious acts; true discipleship requires a personal relationship with God and doing His will.

    • Hypocrisy: Those who appear religious but act in ways that contradict God’s character will face rejection.

  • Application:

    • Faith must go beyond words and rituals. A genuine relationship with God is reflected in living out His will through love, humility, and obedience.

 

​​

   "When I was hungry, you didn't feed me"

  • Matthew 25:41-45 (NIV): "Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.'
    They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'
    He will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'"

  • Context:

    • This passage is part of the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats in Matthew 25:31-46. Jesus describes the final judgment, separating people into two groups: those who served others and those who ignored the needs of others.

    • The "sheep" (righteous) are commended for serving Jesus by serving "the least of these," while the "goats" (unrighteous) are condemned for failing to do so.

  • Key Themes:

    • Service as Evidence of Faith: Genuine faith in Christ is expressed through acts of compassion and care for others, especially those in need.

    • Identifying with the Vulnerable: Jesus equates caring for the vulnerable with serving Him directly.

    • Accountability: The parable emphasizes that believers are accountable for how they treat others, especially the marginalized.

  • Application:

    • Show love and compassion to others, particularly the vulnerable, as an expression of your faith.

    • Recognize that serving others is equivalent to serving Christ Himself.

Connection Between These Two Passages:

Both passages highlight the importance of a genuine relationship with God that manifests in actions:

  1. Matthew 7:21-23: Warns against superficial faith that lacks true obedience.

  2. Matthew 25:41-45: Emphasizes that faith is demonstrated through acts of love and service to others.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Genuine Faith Requires Action:

    • True discipleship isn’t just about words or religious activities; it’s about doing God’s will and serving others.

  2. Relationship with Christ is Central:

    • Both passages reflect the necessity of a personal relationship with Jesus, marked by obedience and compassion.

  3. Service Reflects Christ’s Love:

    • Helping others, especially the vulnerable, is an integral part of living out your faith and pleasing God.

bottom of page