Why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do what I say? Canonical Citation Luke 6:46 : “Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I say?” Parallel: Matthew 7:21–23. Literary Setting Luke places the saying at the close of the “Sermon on the Plain” (Luke 6:20-49), immediately before the parable of the two foundations, underscoring that authentic discipleship is measured by obedience, not profession. Matthew sets it within the “Sermon on the Mount,” linking the warning to final judgment. The Meaning of “Lord” (Κύριος, Kurios) In first-century usage Kurios ranges from “sir” to the divine name. By doubling the title (“Lord, Lord”) hearers attribute supreme authority—yet Jesus exposes the disconnect between verbal honor and practical submission. Early papyri (𝔓⁴⁵, 𝔓⁷⁵, 𝔓⁷⁷) consistently preserve the double vocative, confirming the text’s stability. Covenant Obedience From Genesis to Revelation • Eden: disobedience severs fellowship (Genesis 3). • Sinai: “If you will indeed obey My voice… you shall be My treasured possession” (Exodus 19:5). • Prophets: “To obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22). • New Covenant: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). Scripture presents obedience as the covenant’s relational core, never mere rule-keeping. Faith and Works—One Fabric James 2:17: “Faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead.” Paul agrees: saving faith “works through love” (Galatians 5:6). Works do not purchase salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9) but demonstrate its reality (Ephesians 2:10). Hypocrisy Versus Authentic Discipleship Jesus targets “anomia” (lawlessness). Nominal allegiance breeds self-deception (Matthew 25:11-12). Authentic followers “continue in My word” (John 8:31). First-century church manuals (e.g., Didache 4:5) echo the demand for coherence between confession and conduct. Christ’s Authority Sealed by the Resurrection 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 preserves an early creed (dated A.D. 30-36) affirming the risen Lord. Over 500 witnesses, hostile investigator Saul turned apostle, and the empty tomb affirmed by enemy testimony (Matthew 28:11-15) ground Jesus’ right to command. Moral Imperative Embedded in Design Romans 1:20 argues from creation to accountability. Irreducible biological systems (bacterial flagellum), fine-tuned cosmological constants (10⁻¹² tolerance in carbon resonance), and flood-related polystrate fossils in Carboniferous strata collectively point to an intelligent Creator who expects rational creatures to obey. Archaeological Corroborations of Obedience in Action • The Pilate Stone (Caesarea) anchors the historical stage where Jesus’ authority confronted Rome. • Nazareth inscription (imperial decree against tomb-violation) fits the context of an empty tomb. • Early Christian epitaphs in catacombs (“Disciple of the Holy Shepherd”) illustrate lives shaped by obedience even unto martyrdom. Practical Applications 1. Examine speech: Is “Lord” mere liturgy or heartfelt submission? 2. Align behavior: Compare daily choices with Jesus’ ethical demands (Luke 6:27-38). 3. Pursue spiritual disciplines: Scripture intake, prayer, fellowship empower obedience (Acts 2:42). 4. Embrace accountability: “Confess your sins to one another” (James 5:16). Eschatological Stakes At the Great White Throne “books were opened” (Revelation 20:12). Profession without obedience yields condemnation; those whose names are in the Lamb’s book exhibit persevering faith evidenced by works (Revelation 14:12). Questions for Self-Examination • Do my financial, relational, and vocational decisions mirror Christ’s teachings? • Where do I rationalize disobedience? • What step of obedience is the Spirit urging today? Summary Calling Jesus “Lord” entails acknowledging His deity, accepting His redemptive work, and submitting to His commands. Scripture, corroborated by manuscript evidence, archaeology, and the very logic of design, presents obedience not as optional add-on but as the inevitable fruit of genuine faith. The risen Christ still asks, “Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I say?” Today is the gracious opportunity to answer with repentant, trusting obedience. |
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