The Invitation Series: Part 4 - True and False Disciples - “I Never Knew You”
Choices at the End of the Sermon on the Mount
The Invitation Series: Choices at the End of the Sermon on the Mount
At the close of the Sermon on the Mount, Yeshua offers a series of transformative invitations—crossroads where every listener must decide the foundation of their faith, the direction of their life, and the nature of their discipleship. In this series, we explore each of these kingdom calls, beginning with the narrow path and continuing with discerning spiritual leaders.
Part 4: True and False Disciples — "I Never Knew You"
"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... Many will say… ‘Lord, did we not prophesy… drive out demons… perform miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from Me, you evildoers!’" — Matthew 7:21–23
The Most Terrifying Verse
For many, these are the most sobering words Yeshua ever spoke. How can someone appear to serve God—prophesy, drive out demons, perform miracles—and still hear the words, "I never knew you"?
This isn't about a lack of effort. It’s about the absence of relationship. The question is not what you do for Yeshua, but whether you’re truly known by Him.
First-Century Faith: Activity vs. Relationship
In ancient Judea, righteousness was often measured by visible acts: prayer, fasting, Sabbath observance, and Torah keeping. But Yeshua, throughout the Sermon on the Mount, flips this idea:
True righteousness starts inside (see Matthew 5:20)
Devotion is about the heart, not public applause (see Matthew 6:1–6)
It's what’s beneath the surface that matters most (see Matthew 5:21–48)
The same warning applies today: religious activity doesn’t guarantee covenant relationship.
Word Study: What Does It Mean to “Know”?
Greek (ginōskō - γινώσκω): To know personally and relationally; an ongoing, intimate knowledge.
Hebrew (yada - יָדַע): Covenant-level intimacy; used for knowing God, and even for marital intimacy.
Yeshua’s message: It’s not enough to know about Him—you must be known by Him.
The Hidden Heart: Modern Analogies
The Apple: Glossy outside, rotten inside.
The Iceberg: What’s below shapes what’s above.
The Social Feed: You can repost Yeshua’s words—but have you surrendered your private life?
True discipleship is not about curated performance. It’s about deep, honest relationship.
The New Covenant: More Than Rules
The prophets longed for a day when obedience would flow from the heart:
Jeremiah 31:33–34: “I will write it on their hearts… They shall all know Me.”
Ezekiel 36:26–27: “I will give you a new heart… and My Spirit.”
At the Last Supper, Yeshua announces this new covenant (see Luke 22:20). It’s not about religion—it’s about relationship.
Practical Takeaways
Relationship Over Resume: Do you know Him—or just serve in His name?
Honesty Over Image: Let Him into every part of your life.
Obedience From Love: Follow out of devotion, not duty.
Discussion Questions
Why are Yeshua’s words in Matthew 7:21–23 so sobering?
How might we confuse activity for intimacy?
Where are you tempted to project an image instead of seeking real connection?
What does the new covenant change about how we relate to God?
What difference does being known by Yeshua make in your everyday life?
7-Day Practice: Known, Not Just Busy
❤️ For Yourself
Day 1: Reflect—am I relying on resume or relationship?
Day 2: Identify an area where you’re holding back from Yeshua
🤝 For Others
Day 3: Share vulnerably with someone trusted
Day 4: Affirm someone who lives with authentic faith
🙏 With Yah
Day 5: Pray—invite Him into every hidden place
Day 6: Meditate on Jeremiah 31:33–34 and Ezekiel 36:26–27
Day 7: Sabbath—Rest in being known, not performing
Coming Next: The Only Enduring Foundation
If outward gifts or good deeds aren’t enough—what is? Yeshua’s final invitation is to build our lives on the rock, not shifting sand. In the final post of the series, we’ll explore what it means to live grounded in His words, and unshaken by the storm.The Invitation Series: Choices at the End of the Sermon on the Mount