Intro: I Never Knew You
One of the scariest verses in the entire Bible for real Christians is Matthew 7:23: “Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'” If you’ve ever read this and felt uneasy, you’re not alone. Many believers wrestle with what it means and whether it could apply to them. This article is meant to make it relatable, so you get the point — not just intellectually, but deep in your spirit.
We all know what it means when someone says, “You don’t know me like that!” Whether it’s in a heated moment or when someone’s trying to act friendly for their own gain, that phrase hits different. It’s a line that draws boundaries. In Black culture, it’s been said on the block, in barbershops, and even on beats. The phrase carries weight: You tried to use my name, my presence, my vibe, but you never really knew me — and I never really knew you.
Jesus is laying down that same kind of boundary in Matthew 7:21-23. And it hits with eternal consequence.
1. The “I Never Knew You” Verse Isn’t for Atheists
Jesus isn’t talking to people who rejected Him outright. He’s talking to folks who said all the right words:
“Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?” (Matthew 7:22)
These aren’t skeptics. These are churchgoers. Preachers. Worship leaders. Social media Christians. But they were fronting. Their works weren’t flowing from a relationship; they were performances without presence.
2. It’s Not About What You Did — It’s About Who You Are
Jesus doesn’t even debate their claims. Maybe they did cast out demons or do miracles. Maybe they didn’t. The point is, the name of Jesus is powerful, and even Judas did miracles. But power is no substitute for presence.
Jesus says, “I never knew you.” Not “I used to know you” or “I don’t know you anymore.” He means: We never had a real connection.
They were using His name but didn’t have His Spirit. No fruit. No conviction. No surrender.
3. This Is That “You Don’t Know Me Like That” Moment
If someone walks up to you pretending to be your best friend to get into your house, you might hit them with: “Man, you don’t know me like that!” Not out of hate, but out of truth.
Jesus is loving and sorrowful, but still firm. _”You want to enter my house? Commune with my people? But you were never family. You never wanted Me, just what I could do for you.”
It’s not that He didn’t want to know them. He did. But they never let Him in. They played religious, but never let His Spirit take residence.
4. Check the Fruit, Not Just the Vibe
What was the evidence of their life? Were they growing in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control? Or were they judging, lying, condemning, sexually immoral, chasing clout, and growing worse day by day?
The absence of the Holy Spirit isn’t just something you “feel” — it shows up in your daily choices.
You might fool a crowd. You might have the applause. But God knows your fruit, and He knows your roots.
5. This Is a Loving Warning, Not Just a Harsh Rebuke
Jesus isn’t petty. He’s not cold. He’s issuing a warning with tears in His eyes. He WANTS to know you. He died for the chance. But He won’t fake a relationship that never existed.
This is your call to repent. To ask not, “Do I use His name?” or even, “Do I shout it from the rooftops?” The real question is: Are we family — man!
Call to Action:
If this shook you, that’s a good thing. It means you’re listening. Let today be the day you say, “Lord, I don’t want to play the part anymore. I want to be Yours for real.”
Ask for the Holy Spirit. Surrender your pride. Let Him transform you from the inside out.