Jesus’ Test of Faith

GOLDEN TEXT: “Not everyone 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.” —Matthew 7:21

MATTHEW 7:12

IN THIS text we have an expression of what has been termed the “Golden Rule.” Jesus explained that it sets forth the demands of “the Law and the prophets.” It is a very high standard of righteousness which few, even of professing Christians, are able to attain. To start out each morning with the determination not to say or do anything during the day that we would not want others to say or do concerning us would surely safeguard us from being guilty of many unkind words and deeds.

The Golden Rule is the law of justice, and justice is a basic requirement in the Christian life. This has been true of the servants of God in every age. The Prophet Micah wrote, “What doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly,” but then he adds, “to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God.” (Micah 6:8) The Hebrew word here translated “mercy” could be better translated “loving-kindness.”

In addition to adhering to the basic principle of justice as set forth in the Golden Rule, a Christian is also expected to be in wholehearted sympathy with the divine principle of love, or “loving-kindness.” This is even more heart-searching than the principle of justice, for it implies willingness to lay down one’s life for another.

The Golden Rule is the standard of righteousness in human associations as set forth by “the Law and the prophets,” but Jesus said to his disciples, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you.” (John 13:34) Jesus’ love for his disciples led him to lay down life itself for them, and so should our love be for the “brethren,” yes, even for the world, for Jesus laid down his life for all mankind. This is a severe test of Christian love, and also of Christian faith.

MATTHEW 7:15-27

“YE SHALL know them by their fruits.” This was Jesus’ criterion for testing prophets, or teachers. If they bring forth “good fruit,” then they are true teachers blessed by the Lord and having his approval. And then, in our Golden Text, he warns, “Not everyone 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.”

The good fruits of righteousness are varied and rich. Among these fruits we can certainly include what Jesus designates “these sayings of mine,” which would be the entire outline of righteousness contained in his Sermon on the Mount. This would include humility, meekness, sympathy, purity of heart, a hungering after righteousness, an attitude of mercy toward others, faithfulness as Christ’s ambassadors, and a willingness to endure persecution for righteousness’ sake.

Our fruits of righteousness must exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees, Jesus said. (Matt. 5:20) To hate another without a just cause is murder, according to Jesus’ standard. To look lustfully upon a woman is adultery. There is to be no special reward, Jesus said, simply for loving those who love us. In addition we must love even our enemies.

Sincerity in our service and prayers is also a manifestation of true godliness.

We are to be self-sacrificing, willing to devote time and substance to the service of God, and thus lay up treasures in heaven rather than on earth.

We are not to attempt to read the hearts of others and upon this basis pronounce judgment upon them. Before attempting to remove the “mote” from a brother’s eye, we are to take the “beam” out of our own eye.

These are but some of the fruits of righteousness, possession of which will distinguish true “sheep” from wolves which appear among us in sheep’s clothing. Our lesson title suggests that by these “sayings” Jesus tests the faith of his followers. This is true. It does require faith to follow a course of action, a code of living, which is so contrary to the wisdom of this world. It requires faith to sacrifice earthly advantages in order to lay up unseen treasures in heaven.

Nevertheless, Jesus said that those who do keep these, his “sayings,” are “wise,” while those who do not, but who merely say, “Lord, Lord,” are “foolish.” They are foolish because their “house,” their life’s work, will finally prove to be all in vain; not standing the test of the winds and storms which will beat upon it. The victory which overcometh the foolish viewpoint of the worldly-wise is our faith—faith in God, in his promises, and in the rightness of his will for his people.

QUESTIONS

Does the Golden Rule express the whole will of God for the followers of Jesus?

What is the “new commandment” which Jesus gave to his disciples?

What are some of the “fruits” which indicate the difference between false and true Christians?

In what manner is Christian faith tested by Jesus’ “sayings” in his Sermon on the Mount?

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