The Gospel for the Eighth Sunday after Trinity contains two important warnings from our Lord. The first warning is Matthew 7:15, "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." The second is Matthew 7:21, "Not every one 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." Sometimes, these verses have been viewed as general warnings about corruption and hypocrisy among believers. And that is partially true. All Christians should be careful to avoid spiritual and moral corruption. However, in these verses, our Lord is focusing on a more specific issue: the danger of corrupt religious leaders who endanger God's people, His sheep.
Human beings need leaders in various areas of life, including the area of religion and faith. Yet, false prophets and other corrupt religious leaders have been a problem throughout human history. They were a problem for ancient Israel, for Jews and Gentiles during Christ's time, and for the Christian Church at many times in history.
Although corruption has been an ongoing human problem, corrupt leadership seems even more of an issue in our time. The moral corruption of secular and religious leaders often gains attention, especially when it involves financial or sexual immorality. Such corruption can be very disheartening, especially when corrupt leaders claim to be Christians. Nevertheless, our verses point to an even more serious problem than financial or sexual misconduct. By speaking of "false prophets," Jesus is pointing beyond personal moral failings to serious matters of false teaching. We may think many example, including Christian and non-Christian teachers and ministers. Of course, any religious leader who misbehaves may create scandal and need to repent, but a person who promotes false teachings is even more dangerous for the flock. Those Christian leaders who reject the truth of Scripture, the Creeds, and the Commandments are wolves hiding within ready to mislead and devour Christ's flock.
The faithful must beware of the danger, but we must not despair. Jesus Christ is still our great and good shepherd who watches over us from heaven and assists us through the Holy Spirit. He offers us His grace through Word and Sacrament. And although corrupt leaders do cause much damage, they do not endure forever. God limits the damage caused by evil, and He continues to raise up good leaders among the faithful remnant of His people. So let us persevere in faith and in hope!
