Living Under the Lordship

Scripture Focus: Luke 6:46

“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” (NIV)

Devotional Thought

How do we know if someone is truly a disciple of Jesus? It is possible to say the right words about Jesus and still resist His way of life. He invites us into something much deeper than lip service.

Interpretation

Jesus challenges His followers to let His teaching shape their lives. Jesus' pointed question to his hearers — "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I tell you?" — exposing the inconsistency between verbal acknowledgment of his authority and failure to obey his teachings on love, mercy, and kingdom living. In context, following the Sermon on the Plain, "Lord" (Kyrios) carries the weight of sovereign master whose words demand responsive allegiance, yet many profess loyalty without the fruit of submission that marks true discipleship. This rhetorical challenge reveals that genuine lordship under Jesus involves hearing his instruction as an invitation to covenant faithfulness, where obedience flows from a heart transformed by his gracious call. The verse underscores Jesus' rightful claim over his followers' lives, calling them to align profession with practice in ongoing relationship with him.

Contemporary Relevance

Lordship recognizes authority. Living under Christ’s Lordship means submitting our desires, attitudes, habits, and relationships to His wisdom. It means letting His teachings about forgiveness, justice, compassion, and holiness direct our steps. Lordship is expressed not in perfection but in surrendered obedience.

Quote of the Day

“Christ’s Lordship is not a title we pronounce but a life we embody.” — A.W. Tozer

Reflection Question

What teaching of Jesus do you need to put into practice more wholeheartedly this week?

Prayer Prompt

Ask Jesus to help you live with surrendered obedience and confident trust.

• Copyright 2026 by Steven Chapman. Used by permission.