New Testament
Luke 13:26
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Then you'll protest, 'But we ate and drank with you! You taught in our streets!'
Compare translations
Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets.
What Luke 13:26 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus is addressing those who believe that their familiarity with Him guarantees their acceptance into the Kingdom of God. They claim to have shared meals and heard His teachings, thinking that these experiences give them a special status. However, Jesus warns that mere association with Him is not enough for salvation. True relationship and obedience are what matter. This reflects a common misconception that being part of a religious community or having knowledge of Jesus is sufficient for eternal life. Jesus emphasizes that many who think they are secure may find themselves excluded from the Kingdom because they did not truly follow Him or live according to His teachings. This serves as a sobering reminder that faith is not just about outward appearances or past experiences, but about a genuine, ongoing relationship with Christ.
How to apply Luke 13:26 to your life
This verse challenges us to examine our relationship with Jesus. Are we relying on past experiences or mere knowledge of Him? We should strive for a genuine faith that is reflected in our daily lives and choices, ensuring we are truly following His teachings.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Peter's story: Andrew Brings Simon to Jesus (John 1:40–42)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Peter
Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jerusalem
David's capital, the city of the temple, and the place where Jesus died and rose again.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Luke 13:26
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Luke 13:26
Related Bible verses
Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 13:26 mean about knowing Jesus?
Luke 13:26 highlights the misconception that simply knowing Jesus or having been in His presence guarantees salvation. The verse illustrates that familiarity with Christ, such as sharing meals or listening to His teachings, does not equate to a true relationship with Him. Jesus emphasizes that genuine faith and obedience to His teachings are essential for entering the Kingdom of God.
How can I ensure I have a true relationship with Jesus?
To cultivate a true relationship with Jesus, focus on developing a personal and ongoing connection with Him through prayer, studying the Bible, and living out His teachings in your daily life. Engage in community with other believers, seek to understand His will, and practice obedience to His commands. This active faith will help you move beyond mere familiarity to a deeper, transformative relationship.
Why is obedience important in my faith?
Obedience is crucial in the Christian faith because it reflects a true relationship with Jesus. In Luke 13:26, Jesus underscores that knowing Him is not enough; one must actively follow His teachings and live out His commands. Obedience demonstrates our love for Him and our commitment to His ways, which are essential for a genuine faith that leads to salvation.
What should I do if I feel insecure about my faith?
If you're feeling insecure about your faith, take time to reflect on your relationship with Jesus. Assess whether you're relying on past experiences or mere knowledge of Him. Engage in prayer, seek guidance from Scripture, and consider talking to a trusted spiritual mentor. Focus on building a deeper, more personal relationship with Christ through consistent prayer, worship, and obedience to His teachings.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.