Familiarity Is Not Faith
“When once the master of the house has risen and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, open to us,’ then he will answer you, ‘I do not know where you come from.’ Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.’ But he will say, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you come from. Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity!'” (Luke 13:25-27 ESV)
Main Point: Being familiar with Jesus and His teachings is not the same as having saving faith in Him.
These are some of the most sobering words Jesus ever spoke. People who ate and drank with Him, who heard His teaching in their streets, who were familiar with His presence—these very people will be turned away on the last day. How can this be?
The answer lies in understanding the difference between familiarity and faith. These people knew about Jesus, but they didn’t know Jesus. They were acquainted with His teachings, but they didn’t hold onto them for dear life. They were comfortable in His presence, but they weren’t transformed by His grace.
This challenges those of us who have grown up in the church, who know the Bible stories, who can recite the creeds and sing the hymns. Religious knowledge, church attendance, and even religious activity are not automatic guarantees of salvation. What matters is whether our hearts have been changed by the gospel, whether we’re trusting in Christ alone, and whether we’re living lives that reflect that transformation. The question isn’t whether you’ve been in Jesus’ presence—it’s whether Jesus’ presence has been in you.
Application: Move beyond mere religious familiarity to genuine, life-transforming faith in Jesus Christ. What’s the difference between knowing about Jesus and knowing Him personally? Are you relying on familiarity rather than faith?
Prayer:
Search my heart and help me know You personally, not just know about You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Responses