Understanding Luke 6:46 in Everyday Language
Have you ever heard someone say one thing but do another? Maybe they promise to help but never show up, or claim to be honest but lie when it’s convenient. In Luke 6:46, Jesus asks a question that gets right to the heart of this issue: “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I say?”
Let’s break down what Jesus is really saying here—and why it matters for anyone wanting to understand what real faith looks like.
The Meaning Behind “Lord”
What does “Lord” mean? In the time of Jesus, calling someone “Lord” was a big deal. It meant you saw them as someone important, someone with power and authority over you. Kind of like calling someone your boss or your coach—you’re saying you respect them and accept their leadership.
But Jesus noticed something wasn’t adding up. People were calling him “Lord,” which meant they were recognizing his authority, but they weren’t actually listening to what he asked them to do. Imagine telling your coach that you trust their advice but then ignoring their training instructions. That doesn’t really make sense, does it?
Actions Speak Louder Than Words
Words vs. Deeds: Jesus was making a simple point—saying the right words isn’t enough. If you truly believe in someone’s authority, your actions should show it. It’s like building a house: If you want your house to stand strong, you need to build on a solid foundation. For Jesus, that “foundation” is obedience—actually doing what he teaches.
He used an example everyone could understand:
· If you build your house on rock (good foundation), it stands strong in storms.
· If you build on sand (no foundation), it falls apart when trouble comes.
In other words, listening to Jesus and following his instructions helps your life stand up to challenges.
Why the Double “Lord, Lord?”
Repeating the title “Lord” was a way people showed deep respect or strong feelings—it’s like saying “Mom, mom!” when you really need her attention. Jesus uses this to highlight how seriously people say they respect him—but the real test isn’t how loudly or often they say it, it’s whether their actions match their words.
The Challenge Jesus Gives
Real Faith Means Action: Jesus wants his followers to do more than just believe in him. He wants them to live out his teachings. It’s not enough to say you’re on the team—you have to play by the coach’s rules.
· Faith without action is incomplete.
· To call Jesus “Lord” means letting him guide your choices, habits, and priorities.
· True discipleship means both believing and obeying.
Why It Matters
Lordship vs. Saviorship: Sometimes people want Jesus to help them or save them from trouble, but aren’t willing to let him be “Lord”—the one who gets the final say in their lives. Jesus’ question challenges us to think: Do we really let him be in charge, or do we just say the words?
Harmony Between Words and Actions: Jesus is calling for a life where what we say matches what we do. When our faith and our actions line up, we build a strong, meaningful relationship with him. Just as a tree is known by its fruit, a person’s life shows what’s truly in their heart.
Practical Takeaway
It’s easy to say the right things, but the real proof is in how we live. Jesus’ question in Luke 6:46 isn’t just for people long ago—it’s for all of us, today. He’s inviting us to make sure our words and actions work together, so our lives stand strong no matter what comes our way.
In simple terms: Don’t just talk the talk—walk the walk. True faith means listening to Jesus and putting his teachings into practice. That’s what builds a life that lasts.
Minister A Francine Green
September 2025
afrancinegreen.com 