Jesus Said Being A Disciple Is About More Than Proclamation and Performance

What Did Jesus Do?

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom…
Many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name,
and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’
And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you.’”
Matthew 7:21-23

Picture this: You and I are standing in line amidst a throng (The Old Testament might call it a “multitude” or a “mixed company”). What are we all in line for? For a chance to get “in.” Where? You know, the kind of place where throngs line up, the place to be, because if you’re not there, well, you’re nowhere, man. Up front there is a burly guy who is in charge of the rope (You know, those ropes that hold back the rabble.) The guy, who is built more like a refrigerator than a human being (You those kinds of guys who are always there handling the rope), lets someone in now and then, but most of are just standing there hoping that if and when we make it to the head of the line that the rope will part for us.

Suddenly, way back behind us in line, a faint murmur begins to build into raucous exultation. What’s going on? Well, a donkey, yes, a donkey, is ambling up besides the line, and folks are all crying out, “Lord, Lord,” to the dude whose approach can be characterized as nothing but humble. We too, you and I, begin shouting, “Lord, Lord,” as He draws near. He arrives the front of the line, and the “Fridge” parts the rope. Here it is, when we all will get to surge forward and on in. Surely, we are going to make it! But then, without warning, there is a soft, but distinctly audible, moan from in front, for, oh no, Mr. Amana is still only letting a very few in. Getting off of the donkey we hear him say to the people ahead of us, “Proclaiming, ‘Lord, Lord,’ simply won’t get you in. There’s more to it than that.” More to it? What more? After all, no one can proclaim Him “Lord,” except by the Spirit. But he just said that proclamation wasn’t enough!

Now many more start to cry out. “But Lord, we have prophesied in you name!” and, “Lord, what about the demons we cast out in your name? What does that count for?” and, “In your name, Lord, we have done many great works! Surely these are enough?” But, yet again, He shakes his head, and says, “I have no idea who any of you are; scram, for your performance isn’t going to get you in anymore than your proclamation.” What is going on here? Even good performances aren’t getting people in. If many who proclaim His name, and who perform mighty works in His name won’t get in, what hope do any of us have?

Think about it. If many who proclaim and perform will be turned away, who then will get in? And, after all, isn’t getting in what really matters in the long run? What is discipleship about, if not proclamation and performance? From the Lord’s statement in Matthew 7:23, it seems pretty clear to me that it is about relationship, who we know, and, more importantly, who knows us. Ultimately, what shuts people out of the kingdom is that Jesus is not in a position to give the nod to our being let in, because, in his own words, “I never knew you.” And, clearly, knowing Him, and being known by Him, is about something more than mere proclamation and performance.

There were many who celebrated when Jesus processed towards Jerusalem on the back of a colt on what we now call Palm Sunday. But most of them had nothing to say about Jesus, at least nothing good, five days later when it really mattered. Their proclamation, the cries of “Hosanna,” and shouts of “Lord, Lord” didn’t mean much, and counted for less.

As for performance, well those who figured out they could use His name for gain, as in building a reputation as an exorcist, or healer, or even a televangelist, missed the meaning of being a disciple. It turns out that discipleship is much less about performing works of power in the name, and more about willingness to shoulder a cross and follow Him. Abiding in His company, day in and day out, most often with little or no opportunity to make a big splash by dramatically prophesying, or casting out demons, means that, when the critical time comes for us, what matters most will not be our confessing Him, but His recognizing us as one who humbly hung in there with him, though the hardships and sacrifices be many, and the honors and rewards few. Proclamation and performance may sometimes be the Father’s will, but faithfully following Jesus always is.

S.D.G.

Jim
www.jimwilkenministries.org
Marion, NC
PS 37.4