Chapters 62,63,64 of Skye Jethani’s “What If Jesus Was Serious”

21 “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. 22 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?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ —Matthew 7:21-23 (NIV)

• Scary self-deceptions, Scot McKnight writes “These people, in other words decieve themselves into thinking they are kingdom people because of the gifts they have performed.”

• Danger of delusion

• Truly impressive acts include things like compassion, generosity, kindness, love and faithfulness

• Although what we declare is important, what we do matters more.

  28 “What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’29 “‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.30 “Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go.31 “Which of the two did what his father wanted?”“The first,” they answered.Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. —Matthew 21:28-31

• Love God and Love others is a motto to live out

To be righteous is to live and behave according to a standard of what is good and right toward the other. —Nijay Gupta

Reflection
Take time to think how you will show love, commpassion, kindness and generosity to someone in your community this week. (Home, neighbourhood, work, school, church etc.)

Resources
Scot Mcknight, The Story of God Bible Commentary “Sermon On The Mount”

Nijay Gupta, 15 New Testament Words of Life: A New Testament Theology for Real Life.