Why Do You Call Me Lord?

Understanding Luke 6:46 and Its Profound Implications

The phrase “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” found in Luke 6:46 is not merely a rhetorical question. It is a striking challenge that Jesus posed to his followers. It serves as a call to examine their hearts and actions about their faith. This question pierces through superficial declarations of loyalty, urging believers to consider the authentic alignment of their beliefs and behaviors. Below, we explore the meaning and significance of this question. We examine its timeless relevance in the spiritual journey of every individual.

Jesus’s Authority

Recognizing Jesus as “Lord” signifies an acknowledgment of his authority, divinity, and the power that he holds over one’s life. In biblical contexts, the title “Lord” denotes both reverence and submission. To call him “Lord” is not merely to name him. It affirms his rightful place as the one who ought to be followed. He is the one who should be obeyed. Jesus’s question reveals a paradox. If he truly holds this position in the hearts of his followers, why would obedience not naturally follow?

The term “Lord” carries weight, a profound declaration of allegiance. Yet, Jesus cautions against words spoken in vain, words that fail to translate into action. This examination of authority and adherence encourages believers to reflect. Do they truly live according to the reality they profess with their lips?

Obedience and Faith

Faith, in its fullest form, is not confined to belief or verbal affirmation—it is expressed through action. Time and again, Jesus emphasized that true discipleship is marked by obedience to his teachings and commands. The link between faith and obedience is fundamental to the Christian journey. In John 14:15, Jesus states, “If you love me, keep my commandments.” This establishes obedience as the natural outpouring of genuine love. It also highlights faith.

The question Jesus posed challenges individuals to move beyond platitudes and embrace a faith that manifests in tangible, life-changing actions. It underscores the inseparable relationship between belief and behavior. It urges followers to reflect on the ways their lives mirror the principles they claim to uphold.

Dangers of Empty Profession

One of the key themes in Luke 6:46 is the danger of professing faith without living it out. Jesus explicitly warns against such contradictions, likening them to building a house on sand—a foundation destined to fail. In the parable that follows his question (Luke 6:47-49), he describes two builders. One constructs a house on solid rock. Another builds on unstable ground. When the inevitable storm comes, the house on the rock stands firm, while the house on sand collapses.

This metaphor serves as a cautionary tale for those who claim faith without corresponding obedience. A faith built on empty professions lacks the strength to endure life’s trials. Believers build a solid foundation for their spiritual lives through obedience. Consistent practice of Jesus’s teachings is also necessary. This foundation can withstand challenges and uncertainties.

Focus on Obedience

The question “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” is fundamentally an invitation to self-examination. It compels individuals to investigate the authenticity of their faith and the alignment of their actions with their beliefs. Obedience is not merely a checklist of behaviors. It is a posture of the heart. It shows a willingness to surrender to God’s will. It encourages one to live according to his guidance.

This focus on obedience also highlights the life-changing power of Jesus’s teachings. By living in obedience, followers experience growth, renewal, and a deepened relationship with their Creator. It is through action that faith becomes alive and impactful, influencing not only the individual but also the broader community.

Love and Obedience

At the core of Jesus’s question is the connection between love and obedience. Loving Jesus means trusting him. It involves aligning one’s life with his principles. It also requires acting according to his commands. This relationship between love and obedience is beautifully summarized in John 14:21. “Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me.”

Obedience, therefore, is not a burdensome duty but an expression of devotion. It reflects the depth of one’s love and commitment to the Savior. Jesus’s teachings are meant to liberate, not constrain, guiding believers toward a life of purpose, integrity, and spiritual fulfillment.

Living the Question Today

The question Jesus asked in Luke 6:46 remains as relevant today as it was over two millennia ago. It challenges modern believers to move beyond complacency and surface-level faith. In a world where words can often be empty, actions are often misaligned. This question calls for authenticity. It also calls for intentionality.

Living out faith in the contemporary context means embodying the values of compassion, justice, humility, and love that Jesus taught. It means being a light in dark places. It involves standing firm in truth. It also means building a life on the solid foundation of his word. It means letting obedience reflect belief naturally. This ensures that the title “Lord” is spoken with full conviction, not in vain.

Conclusion

“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” is both a challenge and an invitation. It invites believers to deepen their faith through action. They can align their lives with the teachings of the one they call Lord. It challenges them to reflect on their commitment’s authenticity. They should build their spiritual foundation on the rock of obedience.

Ultimately, this question is a call to live a life that honors Jesus not just in words, but in deeds. It is a reminder that faith without action is incomplete. True discipleship is marked by the harmony of belief and behavior. May this question stir hearts. May it inspire lives to reflect the love, faith, and obedience that Jesus desires from his followers.

Blessings,

Minister A. Francine Green