Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
These people aren't just claiming they were in the crowd; they're boasting about personal access, recalling shared meals and hearing Jesus teach in their very streets, implying a familiarity that should guarantee them entry. The startling truth is that such close proximity and even outward participation in Jesus' life wasn't enough, highlighting how easily we can mistake presence for genuine relationship.
Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
As Jesus speaks about the narrow gate to God's kingdom, he warns that many who believe they are secure will be shut out. He uses the imagery of a master locking his house, leaving those outside pleading to be let in. The verse describes their desperate argument: they’ll claim they ate and drank with Jesus and heard him teach in their streets, implying their familiarity should guarantee entry.
You might think your past encounters with God's goodness guarantee your future. But what if those memories aren't enough?
In Luke 13:26, people try to present their past as proof of their right to enter God's kingdom. They say, “We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.”
This plea highlights a common human tendency: relying on past experiences rather than present reality.
Eating and Drinking
This refers to times of fellowship and sharing in God's blessings. For the Jews, it could mean sharing meals with Jesus, or even participating in temple rituals. For us, it might be attending church, taking communion, or enjoying a time of answered prayer.
Teaching in Our Streets
This points to public encounters with God's truth. Jesus, the ultimate teacher, walked among them and shared His message openly. We have the Bible, sermons, and Christian community – abundant opportunities to hear God’s word.
But the critical point from Jesus’ teaching here is that these outward experiences alone do not guarantee salvation. They are not a substitute for a genuine, ongoing relationship with God.
When the door is shut, what plea will you make? Discover the surprising standard by which eternal destiny is decided.
The exchange in Luke 13:25-27 reveals the Master of the house’s response to those who appeal to their past closeness. He doesn't deny their claims of eating, drinking, and hearing Him teach. Instead, He states a stark reality: 'I do not know where you come from.'
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Beyond Acquaintance
This isn't about forgetting someone's name. It’s a profound declaration that despite outward familiarity, there was no true, deep, saving relationship. The Master of the house recognizes those who belong to Him.
The Work of Iniquity
Jesus follows up in verse 27 by saying, 'Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity.' This isn't just about occasional sin; it points to a life characterized by unrighteousness, a pattern of rebellion against God that was never truly renounced.
Salvation hinges not on how well we knew Jesus outwardly, or how many religious activities we participated in, but on whether He truly knows us – meaning we have surrendered our lives to Him in genuine faith and repentance.
The verse highlights the misplaced confidence of those who relied on outward association with Jesus during His earthly ministry, rather than genuine inner transformation, as the basis for their hope in God's kingdom.
c. AD 27-30— this verse
Jesus' Public Ministry in Galilee and Judea
Jesus travels and teaches throughout the region, attracting large crowds and performing miracles. He frequently eats meals with people from all walks of life, including publicans and sinners, and His teachings are heard in public spaces like streets and synagogues.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
Jesus enters Jerusalem with popular acclaim, further intensifying His public profile and the expectations of many Jews.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
After His betrayal and trial, Jesus is crucified. His subsequent resurrection marks a pivotal moment, leading to the spread of the early Christian movement.
c. AD 30-60
Early Spread of the Gospel
The message of Jesus begins to spread through His followers, initially among Jewish communities and then to Gentiles, across the Roman Empire.
c. AD 62
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
The Roman-Jewish War culminates in the destruction of Jerusalem and its sacred Temple, a catastrophic event for the Jewish people and their religious life.
This passage directly parallels Luke 13:26, showing individuals claiming to have performed miracles and prophesied in Jesus' name, only to be rejected by Him, highlighting the theme of outward religious activity not guaranteeing salvation.
Matthew 25:10-12The parable of the Ten Virgins illustrates the consequence of unpreparedness, where those who were not ready when the bridegroom arrived found the door shut, similar to the scenario in Luke where people are shut out despite past associations.
John 6:26Jesus rebukes the crowd for seeking Him not because they saw signs but because they 'ate their fill of the loaves,' connecting to the idea in Luke 13:26 that simply partaking in physical provisions or experiences with Jesus isn't enough for eternal life.
Romans 11:13-14Paul discusses the rejection of many in Israel and the inclusion of Gentiles, echoing the reversal of fortunes mentioned in Luke 13:30 (a passage closely following Luke 13:26), where those considered 'last' (Gentiles) become 'first' and vice versa.
vincentLuke 13:26: "Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets."
In thy presence (ἐνώπιον σοῦ)Not as beloved and familiar guests. Compare with you (μεθ' ὑμῶν), Matthew 26:29.
calvinLuke 13:25-30: "When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:"
- And when the master of the house shall have arisen, and shall have shut the door, and you shall begin to stand without and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us: and he answering shall say to you, I know not whence you are: 26. Th…
These people aren't just claiming they were in the crowd; they're boasting about personal access, recalling shared meals and hearing Jesus teach in their very streets, implying a familiarity that should guarantee them entry. The startling truth is that such close proximity and even outward participation in Jesus' life wasn't enough, highlighting how easily we can mistake presence for genuine relationship.
As Jesus speaks about the narrow gate to God's kingdom, he warns that many who believe they are secure will be shut out. He uses the imagery of a master locking his house, leaving those outside pleading to be let in. The verse describes their desperate argument: they’ll claim they ate and drank with Jesus and heard him teach in their streets, implying their familiarity should guarantee entry.
As Jesus speaks about the narrow gate to God's kingdom, he warns that many who believe they are secure will be shut out. He uses the imagery of a master locking his house, leaving those outside pleading to be let in. The verse describes their desperate argument: they’ll claim they ate and drank with Jesus and heard him teach in their streets, implying their familiarity should guarantee entry.
"Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.’" — These people aren't just claiming they were in the crowd; they're boasting about personal access, recalling shared meals and hearing Jesus teach in their very streets, implying a familiarity that sho…
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Last reviewed October 2026