12/31/20
Gibbs, Jeffrey A. “Matthew 7:13-23: False Prophets along the Narrow Road." Matthew 1:1-11:1. St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 2006, pp. 383-393.
Gibbs notes the force of the present participles in Matthew 7:13-14. The process of the trip to destruction or to life is important, with the action of a response to Jesus as the determinative factor. The vivid language of Jesus invites his hearers to continue on the road to life (Gibbs 2006, 383).
Verses 21-22 speak of those who would address God as "Lord" and who have claimed to do miracles. Gibbs is clear that even the enemies of God recognize him as "Lord" and that the false prophets and miracle workers have always been condemned b God (Gibbs 2006, 385). Even those who use God's name may be guilty of misusing his name and authority.
When Jesus concludes the Sermon on the Mount, Gibbs says he is releasing some sobering points of view. The triumph of God will be complete, but there will be features of trouble and judgment (Gibbs 2006, 387). Among the trouble is the need to guard one's steps carefully (vv. 13-14). It is necessary to remain on course, even without a comprehensive knowledge of the entire journey (Gibbs 2006, 388). Another troulbe is the deceit of the false prophets along the way (vv. 15-23). Their actions seem to be those of faithful disciples but their fruit is not faithful. Gibbs sees the fruit of a prophet not as deeds but as teachings (Gibbs 2006, 389). The false prophets "will describe a different Jesus" (Gibbs 2006, 390) who is not the one who truly comes from the Father to save people. Gibbs describes the trouble caused by those who claim to act as Christians yet teach a different Christ than the one described in Scripture (Gibbs 2006, 391). Their own doom is sure and they also bring condemnation on those who accept their teaching.
Gibbs finally asks what Jesus means in his call for people to do the Father's will (Gibbs 2006, 391). It seems on the surface to be equivalent to hearing and doing Christ's words (7:24). The clause about doing the will of the Father occurs in Matthew 12:50 and 21:31. Gibbs finds the statement refers to repentant belief that Jesus is the coming judge who fulfills righteousness (Gibbs 2006, 392). This belief results in actions that show the fruit of righteousness.