As we reach the end of Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount, he closes with undeniable claims of authority. It requires that we ask the question, “Are we going to do what Jesus says, or not?”
First, he says, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven…” We might read that a glaze over it, but think of that from his audience’s perspective; an audience that probably didn’t have all the theological context that we do. Jesus is saying there’s some connection between calling him Lord and getting into heaven.
Then in verses 24-27, Jesus not only sets an expectation that he wants people to obey what he teaches, but he also exudes an incredible level of confidence in his teaching. He says if you obey his teaching, you’ll be able to withstand the storms of life. If you don’t obey his teaching, the walls will collapse around you.
Notice too, whether you obey Jesus or not, the storms and floodwater are coming. Obeying Jesus doesn’t spare you from the trouble of the world; it helps you withstand it.
At the end of his sermon, the audience can’t help but notice his authority. That’s what sets him apart from the scribes.
In John 14:15 Jesus says very plainly: “ If ye love me, keep my commandments.”
On the other hand, believing in Jesus and not obeying his word is exactly what Satan does.
Jesus also makes an important distinction about why we obey his commands. He is NOT suggesting some kind of works-based salvation.
At the end of verse 21, Jesus says those who get into heaven are the ones who do the will of his Father. Many will tell about all the things they did in Jesus’ name, thinking that is the key to the kingdom of heaven. Jesus tells them to depart, and that he never knew them.
Rather, it’s in John 6:26-29 where Jesus explains that the work God requires for eternal life is to believe in the one whom he sent. This is the first and most important step of a true disciple.
The issue with the multitude in Matthew 7:22 is they were relying on their own works to get into the kingdom of heaven. They were trying to save themselves through religious practices.
When we’re changed by the gospel, we increasingly become the kind of person who will show compassion to the hurting, who will feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and care for the sick.
We do those things not because there’s a reward in it for us; we do it simply because we love people and want to obey and resemble our Lord Jesus.
