Luke 6:46 – “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, Jesus confronts the inconsistency between what people say and what they do. He addresses those who call Him “Lord,” which is a title that implies authority, respect, and obedience. By calling Him “Lord, Lord,” they acknowledge His position as their leader and teacher. However, Jesus highlights a serious problem: they aren’t actually following His teachings. Their words proclaim Him as Lord, but their actions do not reflect that reality.
Jesus is making a crucial point—faith is not just about words; it’s about obedience. To truly call Him “Lord” means to submit to His authority and live according to His commands. Empty words without obedience are meaningless. Jesus is urging His listeners to examine whether their lives are consistent with their profession of faith. It’s not enough to say the right things if those words don’t lead to transformed living.
This verse is a warning against hypocrisy and a reminder that true discipleship involves action, not just lip service.
Historical Context
In the time of Jesus, it was common for disciples to address their teachers with titles of respect, such as “Rabbi” or “Lord.” To call someone “Lord” was to acknowledge their authority over you. Many of Jesus’ followers would have been familiar with the idea of showing respect through words, but Jesus challenges them to go further by living out their faith.
During this period, the religious leaders often appeared outwardly devout, but their hearts were far from God. They were known for their strict adherence to the law, but they lacked compassion and failed to live according to God’s deeper desires for justice, mercy, and love (Matthew 23:23). Jesus was addressing a broader issue within the religious community: many people were good at speaking religious language but were unwilling to fully submit to God in their daily lives.
Jesus’ teaching here connects to the Old Testament, where God frequently warned His people against offering empty worship. In passages like Isaiah 29:13, God rebukes those who honor Him with their lips but have hearts far from Him. Jesus is continuing that same warning, calling His followers to sincere and obedient faith.
Theological Implications
This verse emphasizes the inseparable connection between faith and obedience. Acknowledging Jesus as Lord isn’t just a verbal confession; it requires a life of submission to His will. This teaching aligns with the broader biblical message that true faith is demonstrated through actions. James 2:26 says, “Faith without deeds is dead.” Believing in Jesus means trusting Him enough to obey what He says.
Theologically, this verse addresses the issue of false discipleship. There are those who may appear to be followers of Christ because they say the right things or participate in religious activities, but their lack of obedience reveals the truth of their spiritual condition. Jesus makes it clear that genuine discipleship is not about appearances but about living in obedience to His Word.
This verse also underscores the lordship of Christ. To call Jesus “Lord” is to recognize that He has authority over every aspect of our lives. If we truly believe this, our actions will reflect that belief. Submitting to Jesus as Lord means seeking His will in how we treat others, make decisions, and live out our daily lives.
Literary Analysis
Luke 6:46 uses a rhetorical question to confront the listener directly. The question challenges them to think about the disconnect between their words and their actions. By repeating the title “Lord” twice (“Lord, Lord”), Jesus emphasizes the seriousness of the issue. The repetition suggests that the people He’s addressing are outwardly devoted but lack genuine commitment.
This verse is part of a larger section in Luke where Jesus teaches about the importance of hearing and obeying His words (Luke 6:47-49). The imagery of building a house on a solid foundation follows immediately after this verse, illustrating the danger of hearing but not acting on His words. The rhetorical question sets up the lesson about the consequences of disobedience.
The structure of the verse is straightforward but powerful. It contrasts two key ideas: calling Jesus “Lord” versus doing what He says. The simplicity of the question makes the message clear—obedience is the proof of genuine faith.
Biblical Cross-References
- Matthew 7:21 – “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”
- James 1:22 – “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
- John 14:15 – “If you love me, keep my commands.”
- Isaiah 29:13 – “These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.”
- 1 John 2:3-4 – “We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. Whoever says, ‘I know him,’ but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse serves as a reminder to examine whether their lives reflect their profession of faith. It challenges believers to ask: Are we simply calling Jesus “Lord” with our words, or are we living as though He truly is Lord over our lives? Genuine faith is not passive—it leads to action, obedience, and transformation.
This verse also encourages Christians to be honest about areas of disobedience. None of us are perfect, and we will all fall short at times. But the difference between a genuine disciple and someone offering lip service is the willingness to repent and seek God’s help in living according to His commands.
Additionally, this verse highlights the importance of daily submission to God’s will. Following Jesus is not just about attending church or saying prayers—it’s about living in obedience to Him in our relationships, work, decisions, and attitudes. Christians are called to evaluate whether their actions align with the teachings of Christ.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is at the heart of this teaching. He doesn’t want empty words or superficial devotion—He desires a genuine relationship with His people. His call for obedience is not about control or legalism; it’s about leading His children into the fullness of life that comes from living according to His ways.
God’s love is also seen in His patience. He understands that believers will struggle to fully obey at times, but He provides grace, forgiveness, and the power of the Holy Spirit to help them grow in obedience. His commands are not burdensome; they are meant to guide His people into a life of blessing and purpose.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the perfect example of obedience. Throughout His life, He consistently obeyed the will of the Father, even to the point of death on the cross (Philippians 2:8). His obedience wasn’t just a demonstration of submission—it was an act of love and trust in the Father’s plan.
By calling His followers to obey Him, Jesus is inviting them to share in that same trust and relationship with God. His teachings are not just rules to follow—they are the path to abundant life (John 10:10). Through His death and resurrection, Jesus made it possible for believers to have new hearts that are capable of true obedience.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Are there areas in your life where you’re calling Jesus “Lord” but not fully obeying His commands?
- How can you move from simply hearing God’s Word to actively living it out in your daily life?
- What role does repentance play when you realize you’ve been disobedient to God’s instructions?
- How does understanding Jesus’ perfect obedience inspire you to be more committed to following Him?
- What practical steps can you take to make sure your actions align with your profession of faith?