Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Luke 13:25

"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, open to us; and he shall answer and say to you, I know you not whence ye are;" — Luke 13:25 (ASV)

Jesus’ reply to the question posed to him emphasizes not “how many?” but “who?” The saved are those who seize their opportunity now (cf. 4:19). Once the time for decision has passed (v.25), attempts to enter into salvation afterward will be futile. The “narrow door” limits the opportunities a person has to enter (v.25); thus people should act now! Based on other Scripture references, the phrase “But he will reply” (v.27) indicates that the “owner” is Jesus, the Son of Man (cf. Matthew 25:12, 31–46). The repetition of “I don’t know you or where you come from” denotes total rejection. In other words, familiarity with Jesus will be of no benefit after the time to repent is past.