They Used His Name, But He Never Knew Them

Some people hijack the name of Jesus. They do this not to glorify Him, but to build something that centers on themselves.

We notice this in today’s world. Ministries are more obsessed with branding than brokenness. Platforms chase fame more than faithfulness. Leaders speak the name of Jesus fluently but live with hearts far from Him. But this is not a new issue—it’s been happening since the beginning of the Church.

Jesus warned us about this very thing in Matthew 7 verses 22 through 23:

“Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, in Your name did we not prophesy, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name do many miracles?’
And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.’” (LSB)

Think about that. These weren’t people outside the faith. These were people using His name, claiming His authority, and doing things that looked powerful—even miraculous. And yet Jesus says to them: “I never knew you.” That’s chilling.

It’s a sobering reminder that doing things for Jesus is not the same as living in deep relationship with Jesus. The problem isn’t that they failed to perform. It’s that their hearts were far from Him. They treated His name like a password, a brand, a tool—rather than a reflection of their deepest love and loyalty. God doesn’t need our platform. He wants our obedience. He doesn’t want performance. He wants repentance.

This is why it’s so important that we, as followers of Jesus, learn to discern. We should not rely on charisma, talent, or social reach. Instead, we should discern by fruit. Jesus said earlier in that same chapter (Matthew 7 verses 15 through 20) that we would know false teachers “by their fruits.” Not by their words. Not by their influence. Not by their resume. By their lives. Are they humble? Are they submitted to Scripture? Do they repent? Do they walk in holiness when no one is watching? Or are they driven by the praise of people, the applause of crowds, and the addiction to being seen? Friend, don’t be fooled by the flesh. And don’t let the fakes harden your heart toward the real thing.

Yes, people have used the name of Jesus for personal gain. They’ve hurt others in His name. They’ve twisted Scripture. They’ve led ministries that were more about ego than eternity. But none of that discredits Jesus—it only proves how desperately we need Him.Let it push you closer to the Shepherd, not farther.Because at the end of the day, the question won’t be, “Did you do things in My name?”
It will be: “Did I know you?” So let’s live lives that are rooted in knowing Him, loving Him, and obeying Him. We do this not for the stage, spotlight, or spiritual resume, but simply because He is worthy.

He always has been.

And always will be.