Matthew 7:22

Berean Standard Bible

Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’

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Judgment of Deeds

On that day, they’ll stand with fervent plea,

“We prophesied, Lord, in your holy name!

Demons fled, and wonders came to be!”

Yet empty boasts will meet his righteous flame.

Their voices rise, with miracles to claim,

Deeds that dazzled crowds beneath the sun.

But hearts unyielded, chasing fleeting fame,

Find no place where heaven’s will is done.

“Depart,” he’ll say, “I never knew your soul.”

No work, though grand, can mask a wayward heart.

True faith aligns with God’s eternal goal,

In humble love, his kingdom’s work takes part.

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The verse in Matthew 7:22, where Jesus states, “Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’” stands as a sobering and provocative continuation of the warning begun in the previous verse. Nestled within the concluding section of the Sermon on the Mount, this passage amplifies the theme of authentic discipleship introduced in Matthew 7:21, where Jesus declares that only those who do the will of his Father will enter the kingdom of heaven. The stark imagery of a final judgment, coupled with the surprising rejection of those who claim impressive spiritual credentials, invites deep reflection on the nature of true faith, the danger of self-deception, and the ultimate standard by which God evaluates his people. To understand this verse fully, we must explore its context within the sermon, its theological implications, and its enduring challenge to believers.

The Sermon on the Mount, spanning Matthew 5–7, is Jesus’ most comprehensive teaching on the ethics and character of the kingdom of heaven. Delivered to his disciples in the presence of a broader crowd, it outlines a vision of righteousness that surpasses external religious observance, calling for a transformation of the heart that manifests in obedient action. By chapter 7, Jesus is concluding with urgent exhortations to choose the narrow path that leads to life, warning against false prophets, false disciples, and the folly of hearing his words without acting on them. Matthew 7:22 builds directly on verse 21, where Jesus cautions that not all who profess his lordship will enter the kingdom. Here, he expands the warning to include those who not only confess his name but also perform extraordinary deeds in his name, only to face rejection at the final judgment. This context frames the verse as a critical examination of what constitutes genuine discipleship, emphasizing that even remarkable religious activity is insufficient without alignment with God’s will.

The phrase “on that day” immediately sets a solemn, eschatological tone. In Jewish thought, “that day” often refers to the Day of the Lord, a time of divine judgment when God’s justice is fully revealed. Jesus employs this imagery to point to the final reckoning, when all will stand before him to give an account of their lives. The individuals in this verse approach him with confidence, addressing him as “Lord, Lord,” a repetition that conveys urgency, familiarity, or even emotional intensity. As in verse 21, the use of “Lord” (Greek: Kyrios) signifies a recognition of Jesus’ divine authority, possibly even an acknowledgment of his messianic identity. These are not casual observers but people who claim a close relationship with Jesus, believing themselves to be his faithful followers. Their appeal is not based on mere words but on a catalog of impressive deeds: prophesying, driving out demons, and performing many miracles, all done “in your name.”

The phrase “in your name” is repeated three times, underscoring the centrality of Jesus’ authority to their claims. In the ancient world, to act in someone’s name was to act under their authority, with their backing and power. These individuals believe their actions—prophesying, exorcising demons, and performing miracles—are evidence of their allegiance to Jesus and proof of their place in the kingdom. These are no ordinary deeds; they are extraordinary, supernatural acts associated with the power of God. Prophesying could refer to proclaiming divine truths or foretelling future events, as seen in the Old Testament prophets or early Christian communities. Driving out demons and performing miracles were signs of God’s kingdom breaking into the world, as evidenced in Jesus’ own ministry and that of his apostles. The phrase “many miracles” suggests a pattern of remarkable works, implying that these individuals were not obscure but likely prominent figures in their communities, perhaps even celebrated for their spiritual exploits.

Yet, the shocking twist comes in the following verse (Matthew 7:23), where Jesus declares, “I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!” This response reveals that their deeds, however impressive, do not guarantee their acceptance. The key to understanding Matthew 7:22 lies in the disconnect between their actions and the condition of their hearts. Jesus’ rejection suggests that their works, though done in his name, were not rooted in a genuine relationship with him or in obedience to the Father’s will. The term “evildoers” (literally, “workers of lawlessness” in Greek) indicates that their lives were characterized by a fundamental disregard for God’s righteous standards, despite their outward displays of spiritual power. This raises profound questions about the nature of their deeds and the motives behind them. Were they seeking their own glory rather than God’s? Were their actions divorced from the ethical demands of the Sermon on the Mount, such as humility, mercy, and love? Or were they operating under a false sense of security, assuming their works were sufficient without a heart surrendered to God?

This passage challenges common assumptions about what it means to be a follower of Jesus. In the context of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus consistently emphasizes a righteousness that goes beyond external observance to the transformation of the inner person. The Beatitudes call for humility, meekness, and a hunger for righteousness; the teachings on prayer, fasting, and almsgiving stress sincerity over showmanship; and the command to love enemies and seek God’s kingdom first reorients priorities away from self. The individuals in Matthew 7:22, however, seem to rely on their spectacular deeds as evidence of their faith, perhaps neglecting the deeper call to align their lives with God’s will. Their appeal to prophesying, exorcisms, and miracles suggests a focus on the extraordinary rather than the ordinary obedience of daily faithfulness. Jesus’ response implies that true discipleship is not measured by the grandeur of one’s works but by the authenticity of one’s relationship with him and the consistency of one’s life with his teachings.

Theologically, this verse underscores the relational nature of salvation. Jesus’ declaration, “I never knew you,” points to the necessity of a personal, intimate relationship with him. To be “known” by Jesus is not merely to acknowledge him as Lord but to live in communion with him, allowing his Spirit to shape one’s character and actions. This echoes other New Testament teachings, such as John 10:14, where Jesus describes himself as the Good Shepherd who knows his sheep, and they know him. The individuals in Matthew 7:22 may have acted in Jesus’ name, but they did not truly know him, nor were they known by him. Their works, though outwardly impressive, were not the fruit of a life rooted in Christ. This aligns with Paul’s warning in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, where he states that even the most dramatic spiritual gifts—prophecy, knowledge, or even sacrificial acts—are worthless without love. True faith manifests in love, obedience, and submission to God’s will, not in a resume of religious accomplishments.

The verse also highlights the danger of self-deception, a recurring theme in the Sermon on the Mount. The individuals in Matthew 7:22 appear genuinely surprised by Jesus’ rejection, suggesting they believed their works secured their place in the kingdom. This serves as a warning to all believers to examine their hearts and motives. It is possible to be active in religious life—preaching, performing miracles, or engaging in ministry—while missing the essence of discipleship. The Pharisees, whom Jesus critiques throughout Matthew’s Gospel, provide a parallel example: their meticulous observance of the Law and public displays of piety masked hearts that neglected justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Similarly, the people in Matthew 7:22 may have been caught up in the spectacle of their deeds, mistaking activity for authenticity. For modern believers, this is a call to self-reflection: Are our actions driven by a desire to glorify God or to gain recognition? Do we prioritize the visible, impressive aspects of faith over the quiet, costly work of obedience?

Practically, Matthew 7:22 challenges believers to align their lives with the will of the Father, as defined by Jesus’ teachings. The Sermon on the Mount provides a clear framework for this: a life of humility, integrity, and love that reflects the character of God’s kingdom. Doing the Father’s will involves not only extraordinary acts but also the daily disciplines of prayer, forgiveness, generosity, and justice. It requires a heart attuned to God’s priorities, seeking his kingdom above personal ambition or worldly success. The parable of the wise and foolish builders, which immediately follows in Matthew 7:24-27, reinforces this point. The wise builder is the one who hears Jesus’ words and puts them into practice, building a life that withstands the storms of judgment. The foolish builder, like those in verse 22, hears but does not act, and their house collapses. Thus, Matthew 7:22 calls believers to a faith that is lived out, not just professed or performed.

For contemporary audiences, this verse remains strikingly relevant. In a culture where faith can be commodified—reduced to social media posts, public personas, or measurable outcomes—Jesus’ words remind us that God looks at the heart. Charismatic gifts, influential ministries, or large followings do not guarantee divine approval. The true measure of discipleship is a life that consistently reflects God’s will, even in the unseen moments. This requires ongoing repentance, reliance on the Holy Spirit, and immersion in the teachings of Jesus. It also calls for community, where believers can hold one another accountable, encourage faithful obedience, and discern together what it means to do the Father’s will.

In conclusion, Matthew 7:22 is a powerful warning against the illusion of false discipleship. It challenges believers to move beyond outward displays of faith, no matter how impressive, to a life of genuine obedience rooted in a relationship with Christ. The verse reminds us that God’s judgment is not swayed by human achievements but searches the heart, seeking those who truly know him and live according to his will. As part of the Sermon on the Mount, it calls us to a faith that integrates word and deed, profession and practice, in a lifelong pursuit of the kingdom of heaven.

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Grace and peace to you, beloved saints, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who has called us into his marvelous light and set before us the hope of his eternal kingdom. I write to you, not with words of human wisdom, but with the truth of the gospel, that you may stand firm in the faith and live as those who bear the name of our Savior. My heart is burdened with the words of our Lord Jesus, recorded in the Gospel, where he speaks of the day of judgment: “Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’” These words, sharp as a two-edged sword, pierce through our pretensions and call us to examine the authenticity of our discipleship. They warn us of the peril of self-deception and summon us to a faith that is proven not in words or wonders but in a life conformed to the will of our heavenly Father. Let us, therefore, reflect deeply on this truth, that we may walk worthy of the calling we have received.

Consider the scene our Lord describes, a moment of eternal consequence when many will stand before him, confident in their spiritual credentials. They cry out, “Lord, Lord,” with voices that echo zeal and familiarity, claiming intimacy with the One who is King of kings. Their appeal is not based on idle words but on deeds of remarkable power: prophesying in his name, casting out demons, and performing many miracles. These are not small acts, beloved, but works that bear the marks of divine authority, works that might dazzle a crowd and earn the admiration of many. To prophesy is to speak forth God’s truth, to drive out demons is to wage war against the powers of darkness, and to perform miracles is to manifest the inbreaking of God’s kingdom. Yet, astonishingly, these deeds, done in the name of Jesus, do not secure their place in his kingdom. The Lord’s response, which follows in his teaching, is a thunderclap of judgment: “I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!” This is a sobering revelation, dear friends, that even the most extraordinary acts in Christ’s name are insufficient if they are not rooted in a heart surrendered to God’s will.

What does this mean for us, who are called by his name? The repetition of “in your name” in their plea reveals their reliance on the authority of Jesus, yet something is amiss. Their works, though impressive, lack the foundation of true discipleship. They have invoked the name of Christ, but they have not known him, nor have they been known by him. To be known by Christ is to live in communion with him, to allow his Spirit to shape our innermost being, to align our desires and actions with the will of the Father. The individuals in this passage, though active in ministry, have missed this vital relationship. Their deeds, however grand, are labeled as “lawlessness” because they do not flow from a life submitted to God’s righteous purposes. This teaches us, beloved, that our faith must be more than a performance, more than a display of spiritual prowess. It must be a life transformed by grace, bearing fruit that reflects the character of our Lord.

Let us not be deceived, as some were in that day, into thinking that activity equals authenticity. In our modern world, it is easy to fall into the trap of equating faith with visible success—whether in the size of our ministries, the eloquence of our words, or the impact of our actions. We live in an age where social media amplifies our works, where likes and shares can masquerade as divine approval. But Jesus’ words cut through this noise, reminding us that God looks at the heart. The one who prophesies may speak truth, but if their life is marked by pride or greed, their words are hollow. The one who casts out demons may wield power, but if they harbor hatred or neglect justice, their actions are in vain. The one who performs miracles may awe the crowd, but if their heart is far from God, their deeds are but a clanging cymbal. True discipleship, as Jesus teaches, is not measured by the spectacle of our works but by the sincerity of our obedience to the Father’s will.

What, then, is the will of the Father, which alone grants entrance to the kingdom? It is the way of life revealed by our Lord in his Sermon on the Mount, where he calls us to a righteousness that surpasses outward observance. It is the humility of the poor in spirit, the compassion of the merciful, the purity of those who seek God above all else. It is to love our enemies, to forgive without limit, to seek first the kingdom and its righteousness. To do the Father’s will is to embody the love of Christ, to serve the least of these, to walk in integrity even when no one sees. This is no easy path, beloved, for it demands the surrender of our ambitions, the death of our self-reliance, and the courage to follow Christ even to the cross. Yet it is the path to life, the only foundation that endures the storms of judgment, as Jesus teaches in the parable of the wise and foolish builders.

I urge you, therefore, to examine yourselves with sober judgment. Ask, in the quiet of your soul, whether your faith is merely a profession or a practice. Do you proclaim Christ’s name in worship but neglect his call to justice and mercy? Do you serve in his name but seek your own glory? Do you perform great works but harbor a heart untouched by his transforming grace? These are not questions to shame you but to awaken you, that you may turn to the One who is faithful to forgive and mighty to restore. The Lord does not delight in our condemnation but in our repentance, and his Spirit is ever present to guide us into truth. If you find your heart divided, cry out to him for renewal. If your works have outpaced your love, return to the cross, where his grace is sufficient to make you whole.

Let us also consider the practical outworking of this truth in our daily lives. To do the Father’s will is to live intentionally, moment by moment, in alignment with Christ’s teachings. It means speaking truth with love, even when it costs us. It means extending forgiveness, even to those who wound us deeply. It means serving the poor, the marginalized, and the broken, not for applause but because Christ has served us. It means praying without ceasing, not as a ritual but as a lifeline to the One who knows us fully. And it means living in community, for we are not called to walk alone. As members of Christ’s body, we must encourage one another, correct one another in gentleness, and bear one another’s burdens, that together we may reflect the kingdom to a world in desperate need of hope.

Beloved, the warning of Matthew 7:22 is not meant to paralyze us with fear but to propel us toward faithfulness. The Lord who judges is also the Lord who saves, and his grace is greater than our failures. If we have strayed into empty works or self-deception, his mercy invites us back to the narrow path. If we have relied on our own strength, his Spirit empowers us to live for his glory. Let us, therefore, commit ourselves anew to doing the will of the Father, not in our own power but through the One who works in us both to will and to do his good pleasure. May our lives be a living sacrifice, a testimony to the transforming power of Christ, who has called us not to perform for him but to abide in him.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

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O God of all truth and mercy, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, whose righteous judgment searches the heart and whose grace transforms the soul, we come before your throne with reverence and awe, seeking to live as those who truly know you. Your Son, our Savior, has spoken words that shake us to the core: “Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’” Yet your response reveals that deeds alone, even those done in your name, do not secure a place in your kingdom unless they flow from a heart surrendered to your will. We stand humbled by this truth, O Lord, and we cry out for your Spirit to guide us into the authentic faith that pleases you, that we may be known by you and walk in the path of eternal life.

You are the Holy One, enthroned in splendor, yet you stoop to dwell with those who are contrite and lowly in spirit. We confess, O God, that we are prone to wander, to trust in our own works rather than in your grace, to seek the applause of others rather than the approval of your heart. Too often, we have claimed your name in our words and deeds, yet neglected the deeper call to love, obey, and abide in you. Forgive us, we pray, for the times we have prophesied, served, or worked miracles in your name, yet allowed pride, selfishness, or hypocrisy to taint our hearts. Cleanse us from all that is not of you, and teach us to build our lives on the rock of your truth, that we may not be found wanting on the day of your judgment.

We beseech you, Lord, to grant us the grace to do your will, not as a performance for others but as an outpouring of our love for you. Fill us with your Holy Spirit, that we may discern your purposes and live them out in every moment. May our words of prophecy be spoken with humility, proclaiming your truth for your glory alone. May our battles against the powers of darkness be fought with the weapons of your love, righteousness, and prayer. And if you grant us to perform wonders in your name, let them be signs of your kingdom’s presence, not monuments to our own ambition. Transform our hearts, O God, that our deeds may flow from a genuine relationship with you, rooted in the love of Christ and empowered by your Spirit.

Guard us, we pray, from the deception that ensnares those who trust in their works rather than in your grace. Your Son’s warning reveals the danger of a faith that is all show and no substance, a ministry that dazzles yet lacks devotion. Keep us from chasing the spectacular at the expense of the steadfast, from seeking the praise of people over the pleasure of your presence. Illuminate our hearts with your Word, that we may see clearly the path of obedience laid out in your Son’s teachings. Teach us to embody the humility of the poor in spirit, the mercy of those who mourn with the broken, and the purity of those who seek you above all else. Let our lives reflect the righteousness of your kingdom, not in grand gestures alone but in the quiet, faithful choices of each day.

We lift up your church, O Lord, the bride of Christ called to shine as a light in the world. May we, as your people, be a community that does not merely profess your name but lives it out in love, justice, and compassion. Bind us together in unity, that we may encourage one another to walk in your truth, to correct one another with gentleness, and to serve one another with sacrificial love. Let our collective witness proclaim your gospel, not only in words spoken or miracles performed but in lives transformed by your grace. May the world see our good works and glorify you, our Father in heaven, knowing that your kingdom is near.

In the face of trials, temptations, and the lure of worldly approval, keep us anchored to your truth. When we are tempted to rely on our own strength or to measure our faith by outward success, remind us that you desire obedience over sacrifice, a heart devoted to you over a resume of deeds. Strengthen us by your Spirit to persevere, to trust in your grace, and to run the race with endurance. If we falter, lift us up by your merciful hand, for you are faithful even when we are faithless. Renew us daily, that our faith may be living and active, bearing fruit that endures to eternal life.

We thank you, O God, for your Son, Jesus Christ, who not only taught us your will but lived it perfectly, showing us the way to your kingdom. Through his death and resurrection, we are reconciled to you, clothed in his righteousness, and sealed with your Spirit. May we never take this gift for granted but respond with lives of faithful obedience, doing your will as he did, even unto death. Let our every thought, word, and deed be a reflection of his love, a testimony to his lordship, and a foretaste of the glory to come.

To you, O Father, be all glory, honor, and power, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns as one God, now and forever. Amen.