Luke 6:46: “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?”
Jesus’s words were never wasted. Every word was crafted with the same wisdom that framed the worlds and set the stars and planets in their order. It’s no wonder they cut right to the heart of man. This piercing question is one I am endeavoring to sear into my heart for the days to come. My hope is that it will stand as a guard at the door of my heart, reminding me that titles are useless and that Jesus is only interested in my mouth if it is genuinely and transparently connected to my heart.
In the previous verse, Jesus tells us that “out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks”—meaning a good heart will naturally produce good fruit, while a corrupt heart brings forth bad fruit. But here in our verse, He points out a sobering reality: sometimes our hearts can be misguided or even corrupt, even though our words may sound like they are producing good fruit. When someone says, “Lord, Lord,” it might sound sincere and look genuine. To the casual listener, it might even seem sweet, like good fruit. But Jesus sees beyond the words spoken; He perceives the intentions of the heart behind them. If the heart and the mouth are not genuinely connected—if there are hidden motives or agendas—then the words become hollow. Jesus asks, “Why are you saying one thing but acting in a different way?” indicating a need for our words and actions to align with a true, pure heart.
Like a well that has been contaminated, the water may look clean, smell clean, and, for the moment, be refreshing. But eventually, the effects of the contamination will be felt. I believe Jesus points out our inconsistency to protect us, to save us—from false religion, from failed attempts at service. I wonder if this is the same group who, on Judgment Day, stood before Him and said, “Lord, Lord, did we not do many mighty works in your name?” to which He replied, “Depart from me, ye workers of iniquity, I never knew you.” To say that this is the same crowd, I believe, is a safe assumption. In their life, they called Him Lord, Lord, but their hearts were far from Him, and they went into eternity following the same course they followed in this life. Perhaps that’s why Jesus calls them to inspect themselves here—and why He is calling us to inspect ourselves. Take this question with you and ponder it. Can your religion be summed up by your confession, or is there more to it than that? Would people even know you are a Christian if you didn’t tell them? For a moment, set aside what you may have confessed in the past. Is there any evidence? Have you done what He has asked you to do?
The title “Lord” means master. In short, this question causes us to search ourselves and ask: Is He actually the Master of my life? Is He calling the shots? Is He leading the way? Do I live to serve Him, or do I expect Him to serve me? Too many “Christians” see Jesus as some sort of genie in a bottle, carried around through life until things get tough, and then they pull Him out and, with a little rubbing of their hands together in prayer—poof! Out He comes to grant wishes. Dear friend, Jesus is Lord, Master, Commander, Leader, and in charge. It is not for Him to follow you around, blessing what you want blessed. It is for you to follow Him and serve Him! You may call Him Lord, but if this has been the course of your life, Jesus is calling you to stop now and ponder the question He has set before us this morning: “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?”
What has He said to you in days gone by? Has He called you to repentance? Has He called you to service? Has He called you to salvation? Don’t insult Him by calling Him Lord if you’ve never heeded His call or submitted to His authority. First, do what He has said. Surrender your heart to Him today, and your mouth will be set free to honestly call Him Lord.
Comments