Jesus Said "I Never Knew You": What Does It Mean?
The phrase "I never knew you" is a powerful statement that Jesus uttered in the parable of the sheep and the goats (Matthew 25:31-46). It's a sobering reminder that we cannot assume our way into heaven based on outward religiosity or a mere profession of faith.
What Does "I Never Knew You" Imply?
When Jesus says, "I never knew you," He is not referring to a lack of personal acquaintance. Rather, He is highlighting a lack of a genuine and transformative relationship with Him. True knowledge of Christ goes beyond intellectual assent to the facts about His life and teachings. It involves:
- Obedience to His commandments: Jesus said, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments" (John 14:15).
- Living a life that reflects His character: "He who says, 'I know him,' but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him" (1 John 2:4).
- Bearing fruit in our lives: "By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples" (John 15:8).
How to Avoid Hearing "I Never Knew You"
To avoid hearing these haunting words on the day of judgment, we must:
- Repent of our sins and turn to Christ: "Repent and believe in the gospel" (Mark 1:15).
- Surrender our lives to His Lordship: "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me" (Galatians 2:20).
- Walk in obedience to His Word: "Whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected" (1 John 2:5).
- Produce the fruit of the Spirit: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23).
Remember the Sheep and the Goats
The parable of the sheep and the goats serves as a warning to those who claim to follow Christ but do not demonstrate it in their lives. Those who are excluded from the kingdom are described as "goats" because they prioritized outward acts of kindness without a genuine love for God. The sheep, on the other hand, represent those who truly knew and loved Jesus, as evidenced by their compassion and service to others.
Jesus's words, "I never knew you," should not fill us with despair but rather with a sense of urgency. They remind us that salvation is not a passive belief but an active commitment to follow Christ wholeheartedly. By living in obedience to His commandments, bearing fruit in our lives, and walking in love, we can have confidence that we will hear the blessed words, "Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your master" (Matthew 25:21).
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