Knowing Jesus vs. Knowing About Jesus

Introduction:

In Luke 13:22–28 (NKJV), Jesus addresses one of the most important—and uncomfortable—questions anyone can ask:

“Lord, are there few who are saved?” (Luke 13:23)

At first glance, this seems like a curiosity question about numbers. But Jesus does not answer it statistically. Instead, He turns the focus inward. His response teaches us something crucial:

 Don’t worry about how many are saved—worry about whether you are saved.

This passage confronts a dangerous assumption that still exists today:

that association with Jesus, church involvement, or religious proximity equals salvation.

Jesus makes it clear—it does not.

1. “Are There Few Who Are Saved?” — A Personal Question Disguised as Theology

When the man asks if only a few will be saved, Jesus replies:

“Strive to enter through the narrow gate…” (Luke 13:24)

Jesus avoids speculation and gives instruction. The word strive means to struggle, contend, or exert effort. Salvation is not accidental, inherited, or absorbed by association.

Key Truth

Salvation is personal, not collective.

You can’t rely on your parents’ faith

You can’t rely on your church membership

You can’t rely on your reputation

You can’t rely on proximity to holy things

Jesus is essentially saying:

“Don’t ask how many are saved. Ask whether you’ve obeyed Me.”

Modern-Day Parallel

People today ask:

“Isn’t God loving?”

“Won’t most people make it?”

“Does it really matter how you believe?”

Jesus answers all of that with one command:

Strive to enter.

2. Association with Jesus Is Not the Same as Belonging to Jesus

Jesus gives one of the most sobering warnings in Scripture:

“Many will seek to enter and will not be able.” (Luke 13:24)

Then He explains why:

“We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets.” (Luke 13:26)

Notice what they say—and what they don’t say.

What They Claimed

They were around Jesus

They heard His teaching

They were familiar with Him

What They Never Said

“We trusted You”

“We obeyed You”

“We repented”

“We were baptized in Your name”

“We received Your Spirit”

“We lived according to Your commands”

And Jesus’ response is chilling:

“I do not know you, where you are from. Depart from Me, all you workers of iniquity.” (Luke 13:27)

Key Truth

You can know about Jesus and still not be known by Jesus.

3. Church Association ≠ Salvation (A Modern Illustration)

Here’s a modern comparison that makes this crystal clear:

Just because you attend a church does not mean you are a member of the Kingdom.

Sitting in a garage doesn’t make you a car

Standing in a gym doesn’t make you fit

Going to church doesn’t make you saved

You can:

Sing worship songs

Serve in ministry

Know Christian language

Be surrounded by believers

…and still be outside the narrow gate.

Salvation is not about being around Christ—it’s about being in Christ.

4. “I Don’t Know You” — Why Relationship Matters

Jesus doesn’t say, “I don’t recognize you.”

He says, “I don’t know you.”

Biblically, knowing implies relationship, obedience, and submission.

So How Do We Truly Know God?

Scripture gives us clear answers:

Prayer — ongoing communication with God

Fasting — humbling the flesh to draw closer to Him

Repentance — confessing sins, including secret faults

Baptism in Jesus’ Name — putting on Christ (Galatians 3:27)

Receiving the Holy Spirit — God dwelling inside us

These individuals in Luke 13 thought proximity was enough.

Jesus makes it clear that obedience is what establishes relationship.

“If you love Me, keep My commandments.” (John 14:15)

5. The Tragedy of Familiarity Without Obedience

The most heartbreaking part of this passage is not rejection—it’s surprise.

These people genuinely believed they were saved.

They assumed:

Being around Jesus was enough

Hearing truth was enough

Association was enough

But Jesus says no.

Final Warning

You can be:

Familiar with Scripture

Comfortable in church

Close to Christian people

…and still hear the words:

“Depart from Me.”

Conclusion: Examine Yourself

Luke 13:22–28 forces every reader to ask a personal question:

Do I merely associate with Jesus—or do I obey Him?

Salvation is not inherited.

It is not assumed.

It is not absorbed by environment.

It is entered through a narrow gate, by faith, repentance, obedience, and submission to Christ.

“Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith.” (2 Corinthians 13:5)

Jesus’ message is not meant to scare—it’s meant to save.

And the invitation is still open today.