What Do You Think?

[shiewhero]

What did they do that offended Jesus if they were doing the works He instructed?

The section I am referring to is:
“Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and expel demons in your name, and perform many powerful works in your name?” They will be as strangers to Jesus, who will reply: “I never knew you! Get away from me, you workers of lawlessness.”—Matt. 7:22, 23.

NIV 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?' 23Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'

So why would He send away people that were doing works in His Name?

[jerrys1960]

What the section is referencing are the hypocrites that are talking about Our Lord and doing works not to praise God but to seek earthly rewards.

I think Matthew 6:2-5 probably sums up this concept nicely.

Mat 6:2 Therefore, when thou doest thy alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do, in the synagogues, and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Verily, I say to you, they have their reward.
Mat 6:3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:
Mat 6:4 That thy alms may be in secret; and thy Father who seeth in secret, himself will reward thee openly.
Mat 6:5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues, and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Verily, I say to you, they have their reward.

I am sure we have all seen the people that are speaking about God and claiming to do many works in God’s name only to be seen/heard, seeking earthly rewards . . . But never really praising God from within their heart.

Those are the ones that Jesus will look at and say, “I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” For while they may be speaking about God and my even be doing many very nice things, their hearts/motivations are selfish and done purely for worldly rewards such as being famous, all the praises from other people, money, etc, as Our Lord said, “Verily, I say to you, they have their reward.”

Since the people were/are not really following Our Lord (other than superficially), he will look at the hypocrites and profess unto them, “I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”