Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in your name? and in your name have cast out devils? and in your name done many wonderful works?
to me.
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.
Matthew 24:36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
Isaiah 2:11,17 The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day…
have we.
Matthew 10:5-8 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: …
Numbers 24:4 He hath said, which heard the words of God, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open:
Numbers 31:8 And they slew the kings of Midian, beside the rest of them that were slain; namely, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, five kings of Midian: Balaam also the son of Beor they slew with the sword.
‘Lord, Lord,
The repetition of "Lord" signifies urgency and desperation. In biblical times, repeating a name was a way to express deep emotion or emphasis. This reflects the speakers' recognition of Jesus' authority and divinity, yet it also underscores the irony that mere acknowledgment of His lordship is insufficient for salvation. This echoes the warning in Matthew 7:21, where Jesus emphasizes doing the will of the Father as the true mark of discipleship.
did we not prophesy in Your name,
Prophesying in Jesus' name suggests that these individuals were engaged in religious activities and claimed to speak on behalf of God. In the early church, prophecy was a spiritual gift (1 Corinthians 12:10), but the presence of false prophets was also a concern (Matthew 24:11). This phrase warns against relying on spiritual gifts or religious activities as evidence of a right relationship with God, emphasizing the need for true obedience and alignment with God's will.
and in Your name drive out demons
Casting out demons was a sign of the authority given by Jesus to His disciples (Mark 3:14-15). However, the ability to perform such acts does not guarantee a genuine relationship with Christ. The mention of driving out demons highlights the power of Jesus' name, but also serves as a caution against equating miraculous works with spiritual authenticity. This is further illustrated in Acts 19:13-16, where the sons of Sceva attempt to use Jesus' name without true faith.
and perform many miracles?’
Miracles, or "mighty works," were often seen as evidence of divine power and authority. In the Gospels, Jesus performed numerous miracles to demonstrate His messianic identity and compassion. However, this phrase underscores that performing miracles is not synonymous with being a true follower of Christ. The emphasis is on the heart and obedience to God's will, as seen in the parable of the wise and foolish builders (Matthew 7:24-27). This serves as a reminder that external signs and wonders are not the ultimate measure of one's faith or standing before God.
• “That day” points to the final, literal day of judgment when every person will stand before Christ (Matthew 24:36; Acts 17:31; Revelation 20:11-12).
• Jesus presents Himself as the Judge, underscoring His deity and supreme authority (John 5:22-23).
• The word “many” warns that large numbers, not just a fringe group, will face this sobering reality (Matthew 7:13-14).
• The double address sounds earnest and respectful, yet Jesus exposes it as empty lip service (Luke 6:46).
• True confession must be joined with heartfelt surrender (Romans 10:9-10).
• Even demons acknowledge Christ’s title without submitting to Him (James 2:19).
• Prophecy—speaking God’s truth—can be mimicked by those without a redeemed heart (Numbers 22:12-35; 1 Corinthians 13:1-2).
• Ministerial success or spiritual gifting is never a substitute for genuine obedience (1 Samuel 15:22-23).
• The authority of Jesus’ name is real, but it does not automatically authenticate the character of the user (Acts 19:13-16).
• True disciples rejoice more in their relationship with Jesus than in power displays (Luke 10:17-20).
• Signs and wonders can accompany both true and false messengers (Deuteronomy 13:1-4; 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10).
• Miracles that do not flow from faith-filled obedience ultimately prove nothing at the judgment (John 2:23-25).
On judgment day, countless people will appeal to impressive spiritual exploits, but Christ will look for a life anchored in obedience and relationship with Him. Titles, gifts, and dramatic ministries cannot replace heartfelt repentance and submission to the Lord who alone saves. Genuine faith produces humble obedience; anything less will be exposed when we stand before Jesus.
(22) Many will say to me in that day.--No part of the Sermon on the Mount is more marvellous in its claims than this; to those who see in Christ only a human Teacher with a higher morality than Hillel or Seneca, none more utterly incomprehensible. At the commencement of His ministry, in a discourse which, though it is spoken in the tone of authority, gives no prominence to His mission as the Messiah, He yet claims, with the calmness of assured conviction, to be the Judge before whom the faithful and the hypocrites will alike have to give an account. In "that day" (the words, though they would not suggest, as afterwards, the thought of His own advent, would yet carry the minds of men to the "great and dreadful day" of Malachi 4:5) the words "Lord, Lord," would mean more than the expression of human courtesy.Have we not prophesied in thy name?--Here, also, there is the implied calm assertion of a supernatural power, not resting in Himself alone, but imparted to His followers, and exercised, or at least claimed, by some who did not themselves fulfil the conditions of His kingdom. Here, as everywhere in the New Testament, "prophesying" is more than mere prediction, and includes the whole work of delivering a message to men, as coming directly from God.
Verse 22. - Matthew only; but cf Luke 13:26, from which the "Western" addition of eating and drinking is probably derived. Many will say to me in that day. The great day. Notice Christ's claim, so early as this, to be the future Judge of the world. Lord, Lord (cf. Hosea 8:2). In ver. 21a profession of service, i.e. as regards work; here, as regards wages. Have we not prophesied. Revised Version did, etc.? The thought is not of abiding effect, but merely of historical facts (οὐ τῷ σῷ ὀνόματι ἐπροφητεύσαμεν). In thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? Revised Version, by thy name. An important difference, for "in" implies some vital connexion. But in this case the revelation (Matthew 6:9, note) of Christ was merely the instrument by which these men proclaimed Divine truths, cast out; demons, and wrought miracles. With him, or even with it, they had no real union. The connexion of "prophesied" with the two other words seems to forbid this being only false prophesying (ver. 15; cf. especially Jeremiah 27:15 [34:12, LXX.]; 14:14). Rather does the verse teach that spiritual results can be effected by unspiritual men. "Suggested by this and like passages. Augustine has many instructive words and warnings on the nothingness of all gifts, even up to the greatest gift of working nil miracles, if charity be wanting" (Trench, ' Sermon on the Mount').