Are My Words What Jesus Wants Me To Say?

“I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:36, 37

There are two important passages in Matthew, chapter 12, that help us understand our Christian call as disciples. One is the story about Jesus’ family coming to visit him. Jesus was teaching the people when someone notified him that his mother and brothers were on the outskirts of the crowd wishing to speak to him. Jesus has what seemed to some a callous response. He replied, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” Then looking around at those listening to him, he answered, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”

The context of this incident is that the family of Jesus was somewhat critical of him at that point. They did not understand the nature of his ministry. Though Jesus was drawing large crowds, he was also being criticized by the religious authorities, who suggested that he was in league with the devil. We suspect his family, particularly his brothers, wanted to try to “talk some sense” into him. Jesus had no time for such a discussion and so refused to stop what he was doing. Instead, he made a statement that is a great encouragement to us. What does it take to be part of the family of Jesus? To do the will of God in heaven!

As you sit in worship today, you should consider yourself to be among this number. You could be in any number of different places instead of worship. You are here because you believe it is important to gather with those who call Jesus Lord and who listen to his words. In gathering with God’s people, we declare that we choose to be among those who have committed to doing God’s will. This makes us, in Jesus’ words, those who are his very own family members.

A second story issues a challenge to us. In the same chapter in Matthew, Jesus responds to a criticism by the Pharisees. They wondered if Jesus might be able to cast out demons because he was in league with Satan himself. Jesus has an astute response. He notes that Satan’s kingdom is certainly in trouble if he is “divided against himself.” Then Jesus uses the illustration of a healthy tree. Only good trees bear good fruit, says Jesus. For bad trees–and Jesus is referring to the Pharisees–one should not be surprised that bad fruit is the result.

Then Jesus makes a comment about how we can know the difference between true and false disciples. You can know, said Jesus, by how people use their words. In fact, this will be one way God will judge people on the last day. Their words will be brought up to testify for them, either good or bad. Those whose actions have been evil will be condemned by their words. The righteous, on the other hand, will be justified by them.

Here then is a lens through which to think about our discipleship. Will our words identify us as Christians? Will there be evidence from them of our faith, our humility, and our love for Jesus? Will they reveal a heart of kindness and compassion? Will there be ample evidence in our words of our life of faith?

This week, consider your words. Be sure to build up a resume of words that, when we are called to give an account, will identify us as faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.