Matthew 7:21-23

Matthew 7:21-23

21. "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
22. 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?'
23. Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'

Jesus often spoke parables that were a slap in the face to the Priests and ruling parties of the day. This is such a case, as is much of his Mount Olive discourse when he sets the record straight with no ifs, ands or buts.

Just being a priest in the long line of Aaron or a teacher of the law does not give you right of passage into the kingdom of heaven. Only he who does the will of the Father who is in heaven be it priest, teacher or commoner. And who is it that will be doing the will of the Father? Those who, like Habakkuk, see the iniquity of sin and judge themselves. I'll show you what I see in Habakkuk later.

God had given the priest spiritual authority over his people in order to teach them the law. Other authorities were given them also such as the ability to drive out demons, perform miracles and to prophecy, but these gifts were no substitute for self-judging and repentance.