In reading through the book of Matthew this last few weeks, a disconcerting phrase continues to appear—weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Jesus uses the phrase 6 times in Matthew (8:12; 13:42 & 50; 22:13; 24:51; 25:30), as well as in the book of Luke (13:28). That’s a lot of repeats. I wonder, why did Jesus emphasis this point, and how do I avoid that fate?

Without an exhaustive study of these passages (which I hope to do later), I notice a couple of things.

First, reasons for being cast into a place of weeping and gnashing involve rejecting faith in the Messiah, and using people for you own ends. Jesus refers to evil, ungrateful, wicked people headed to a place of weeping and gnashing.

Second, choices lie dead ahead. A door in our future awaits, opened based on our faith in Jesus and whether we treat the people God puts in our path with respect and compassion. Or, the door stays shut.

To quote Jesus, Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to.

I hear the messaging from all around saying that it’s all ok, do your thing, God loves you and will accept you regardless of how you live. I notice people consumed with life in the here and now, convinced that a conscious eternity is merely a figment of religious imaginations.

But you simply cannot read Jesus and reach these conclusions. Jesus draws lines in the sand: Follow me. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

These markers aren’t hints—Jesus lays down commands. And the mentions of weeping and gnashing of teeth are not only metaphor, but beacons warning of things to come.

I’m of a mind to pay attention.

Matthew 25 in week thirty-three of reading the Bible cover to cover

Photo by Michael Krahn