Matthew 7:21-23

Click Here to read Matthew 21:33-46.

• What one word or idea stood out to you and why?
• What do you think Jesus is teaching about the Kingdom of God/Heaven?
• What if a stranger came to your front door and you couldn’t see who they were and they asked you to open the door so they could come in?
• What if they said, ‘You know me and I know you because I mowed your lawn?’ or ‘You know me and I know you because I washed your car?’ or ‘You know me and I know you because I picked up trash around your place.’
• Do they really know you? Do they know your favorite ice cream flavor or what TV shows you like?
• Do you know them? Do you know their favorite ice cream flavor or their favorite TV show because they mowed your lawn, washed your car or picked up trash around you place? 

Jesus is warning us that there will be “many” people who come to the door (heaven) expecting to get in but won’t be allowed to enter. They will be surprised that they are not getting into heaven. Jesus tells them to get away from Him because He never knew them. These people were doing lots of chores (works) for Jesus, but they did not take time to get to know Him. Having a relationship with Jesus, knowing each other, is most important.  

How do you get to know someone? Spend time with them? Ask them questions? Let them ask you questions? How do you get to know God and Jesus better? Spend time with Him. Read your Bible every day with a hunger and desire to get to know God. Pray to Him each day. What does God care about? What does Jesus think about money or love or exercise? What does He teach about being married? What makes Him happy? Get to know Jesus and tell Him all that you think and feel. It is all about a relationship with Jesus.