The Lord had been speaking of the wide gate and the broad way that leads to eternal destruction, “and many there be which go in thereat.” How many profess the name of Christ who are mere professors and not possessors of eternal life. They go along with the multitude in the broad way. There has been the widening of the gate and the broadening of the way in contrast to the narrow separated path the Lord has marked out for His own in this world.
It is here in this connection that the Lord says: “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” They might have a great many charming ways about them. Sadly it was faith merely in the natural man and not what would lead them to have no confidence in the flesh. Of these false prophets the Lord says, “Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. ... Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.”
Mere Profession
The Lord’s words that follow are very solemn for those who profess to know Him. “Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? and in Thy name have cast out devils? and in Thy name have done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity.”
The Lord closes His discourse with a word commending the wisdom of one who heeds His word. But He points out the sure ruin for every one that names the name of Christ who is not hearing and not doing His sayings. “Whosoever heareth these sayings of Mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock.” It would stand with the violence of the wind and waves which were sure to come. On the other hand, “every one that heareth these sayings of Mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew . . . and great was the fall of it.” It is a vivid picture of how mere profession without true faith will fall under the great onslaughts of Satan.
Here the Lord Jesus ends His teachings on the mount. He had held the attention of the people who were astonished at His doctrine. It was so different from the way the scribes taught, for there was a power there which was absent in their way of commenting on the Scriptures. The officers who were sent to take Him had to confess, “Never man spake like this Man” (John 7:4646The officers answered, Never man spake like this man. (John 7:46)). Every one who enters the strait gate must own that His Word is far different to that of man. It is to abide after heaven and earth have passed away.
Further Meditation
1. Where else does the Lord Jesus speak about hypocrites in the Word of God?
2. What is the outward proof of faith in God?