"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name? Did we not drive out demons in your name? Did we not do mighty deeds in your name?' Then I will declare to them solemnly, 'I never knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers.' "Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock. And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. And it collapsed and was completely ruined." (Mt 7:21-27)
In this passage the author continues his attack on the false prophets (Mt 7:15-20). The false prophets will be known by their actions (fruits). Here the attack is broadened to include the disciples who also perform works of miracles in the name of Jesus but their lives show that they are evil. Calling on the name of God will also not bear fruit. Even though, Jesus has told the disciples that whatever they ask in his name will receive the favour.
Kingdom does not function as the people expect. In the kingdom calling on the name is not important (though it will be done). Mighty acts and miracles are not guarantee for entrance into the kingdom. Entrance into the kingdom is only for those who do the will of the Father. Discernment of the will of God acting accordingly will be the sign of God’s acceptance. Interestingly even the miracle workers are called evil ones and asked to depart from him.
Listening to the word of Jesus and acting accordingly is considered wise. Listening to the word of God is not only for the disciples but for every follower of Jesus. Word of God should b the foundation for the life of the followers. Where shall we go you have the words of eternal life should be the response of the listeners.
