God's Blessing

What does Luke 6:46 really mean?

46 “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?

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Setting the Scene for Luke 6:46

In Luke chapter 6, Jesus is teaching a large crowd on a level place, likely a plain or a plateau. The crowd consists of people from all walks of life – fishermen, tax collectors, Pharisees, and ordinary citizens who have come to hear the teachings of this remarkable man. The sun is setting, casting a warm glow over the gathering, and a gentle breeze rustles through the crowd.

Among the listeners is a group of Pharisees, known for their strict adherence to religious laws and traditions. They are there to scrutinize Jesus’ words and actions, looking for any reason to challenge or discredit him. Also present are Jesus’ disciples, who have left everything to follow him and learn from his teachings. They are eager to understand the deeper meanings behind his words and to grow in their faith and understanding.

As Jesus speaks, his words are filled with authority and wisdom, challenging the hearts and minds of all who are present. He addresses the crowd directly, asking them why they call him “Lord, Lord” but do not do what he says. This powerful moment sets the stage for a profound lesson on the importance of not just hearing the word of God, but also obeying it with sincerity and humility.

What is Luke 6:46 about?

Jesus in this verse challenges his followers to reflect on the significance of their actions in relation to their faith. Jesus is probing them to evaluate the authenticity of their commitment by asking why they call him “Lord, Lord” but do not follow his teachings. Essentially, he is pointing out the inconsistency between their profession of faith and their actual behavior. This verse underscores the importance of not just proclaiming one’s faith outwardly but also living it out through one’s actions. We ponder on this verse, prompting us to consider our own lives. Do we merely pay lip service to our beliefs without letting them guide our choices and actions? Are we sincere in our devotion to God, or do we only seek to please Him superficially? Jesus’ question challenges us to examine our hearts and align our words with our deeds. It serves as a reminder that true faith entails not just acknowledging Christ as Lord but also obeying his commandments and striving to live according to his teachings. Let us take heed of Jesus’ question and strive to be genuine in our faith, embodying it in every aspect of our lives.

Understanding what Luke 6:46 really means

Structure:

  1. Introduction
  2. Contextual Background
  3. Key Phrases and Their Meanings
  4. Related Biblical Passages
  5. Relevance to Contemporary Life
  6. Anecdotal Illustration
  7. Conclusion

Commentary:

  1. Introduction
    Why do you call Jesus ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what He says? This is a powerful question that challenges the authenticity of our faith and obedience. Let’s identify the subject: “we”
    Rewritten sentence: We will delve deeper into the meaning of this verse and reflect on its implications for our daily lives.

  2. Jesus is addressing His disciples and the larger crowd during the Sermon on the Plain in this passage from the Gospel of Luke. This sermon, similar to the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew, includes teachings about love, judgment, and the foundation of a life built on obedience to God’s word. Jesus is emphasizing the importance of not just hearing His words but acting on them.

  3. Key Phrases and Their Meanings
    The phrase “Lord, Lord” signifies a recognition of Jesus’ authority and divinity. Repeating the title stresses the earnestness of the address. However, Jesus points out a discrepancy between the acknowledgment of His lordship and the failure to follow His teachings. It’s not enough to verbally recognize Jesus as Lord; true discipleship requires action.

  4. James 1:22 says, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves.” Do what it says.” This echoes the same sentiment. Additionally, Matthew 7:21-23 warns that not everyone who calls Jesus ‘Lord’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only those who do the will of the Father. These verses collectively underscore the necessity of aligning our actions with our professed beliefs.

  5. It’s easy to profess faith without living it out in today’s world. Many people attend church, read the Bible, or participate in religious activities, yet their daily lives might not reflect Jesus’ teachings. This verse prompts us to examine whether our actions are consistent with our declarations of faith. Are we living in a way that honors Jesus as our Lord?

  6. Anecdotal Illustration
    Imagine a man who claims to be a dedicated runner. He buys the best running shoes, sports gear, and even subscribes to running magazines. However, he never actually runs. Despite his outward appearance and claims, he lacks the discipline and commitment of a true runner. Similarly, calling Jesus ‘Lord’ without acting on His teachings is incomplete and superficial.

  7. This verse ultimately calls us to introspection and transformation. It invites us to move beyond mere words and to embody the teachings of Jesus in our lives. We should ask ourselves: How can we better align our actions with our faith as we reflect on this? How can we ensure that calling Jesus ‘Lord’ truly reflects our commitment to following Him in every aspect of our lives?

Am I truly following Jesus in my actions?

The verse you are referencing in Luke 6:46 speaks to the importance of not just hearing the words of Jesus, but also following them in our actions. It highlights the necessity of living out our faith through obedience and true discipleship. Therefore, when you ask if you are truly following Jesus in your actions, it prompts reflection on whether your conduct aligns with the teachings and example set by Jesus.

To assess if you are walking in the path of Jesus, it is crucial to examine how your actions reflect His teachings of love, compassion, forgiveness, and selflessness. Are you actively extending kindness to others, showing empathy to those in need, forgiving those who have wronged you, and putting the needs of others before your own? You can gauge if you are embodying the spirit of Jesus in your daily life by evaluating your actions through these lenses. To follow Jesus ultimately means living out one’s faith through actions that demonstrate love, grace, and humility, not just professing it with words. Continuously evaluating your thoughts, words, and deeds against the example set by Jesus can offer clarity on whether you are truly following Him in your actions.

Application

Life is like juggling your job and family—hectic and demanding. As you reflect on your daily hustle, ask yourself if you are truly living by Christ’s teachings. Are you just hearing His words or actively practicing them? Don’t just be a spectator in your faith; be a participant. Are you putting in the effort to embody the love and truth of Jesus in your everyday actions? What changes can you make today to be a doer, not just a listener?