Luke 6:47 – “As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, Jesus begins a comparison that highlights the importance of not just hearing His words but acting on them. He’s not interested in people who merely listen or give verbal acknowledgment to His teachings—He’s calling for obedience and application. To “come to Him” and “hear His words” is the starting point, but the critical step is putting His teachings into practice.
Jesus is setting the stage for the parable of the wise and foolish builders (Luke 6:48-49). The person who listens and obeys is like someone who builds their house on a solid foundation, while the one who hears but does nothing is like someone building on unstable ground. In this verse, Jesus makes it clear that true discipleship requires action. Faith that does not lead to obedience is incomplete.
This verse challenges believers to evaluate whether they’re actively living out what they hear from Jesus or simply storing up knowledge without applying it.
Historical Context
In first-century Jewish culture, discipleship involved more than learning knowledge—it meant imitating the life and teachings of the teacher. A disciple would follow their rabbi closely, not just to listen, but to apply their teachings in everyday life. Jesus’ call to “put His words into practice” would have resonated with His audience as a call to full commitment.
Religious leaders in Jesus’ time, particularly the Pharisees, often emphasized outward displays of piety without addressing the heart or the need for genuine obedience. Many people were accustomed to hearing God’s Word in the synagogue but not applying it personally. Jesus was confronting this disconnect by emphasizing that hearing God’s truth without obedience is like building a life on unstable ground—it won’t stand when tested.
The parable of the builders draws on familiar imagery, as construction and agriculture were common in daily life. The audience would have understood the importance of laying a solid foundation for any building. Jesus uses this practical wisdom to illustrate a spiritual truth: the foundation of obedience to His teachings is what leads to a life that can withstand trials.
Theological Implications
This verse speaks to the heart of what it means to have a genuine relationship with God. True faith is not simply about listening to sermons, reading the Bible, or knowing theological facts—it’s about living in obedience to what God commands. Jesus makes it clear that obedience is not optional for those who call Him Lord.
Theologically, this verse underscores the idea that faith and works are connected. While salvation is by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9), genuine faith will always result in obedience and good works (James 2:17). Putting Jesus’ words into practice is not about earning salvation but about demonstrating that faith is real and alive.
The verse also highlights the role of perseverance in the Christian life. The one who builds on a solid foundation doesn’t just obey occasionally but consistently applies Jesus’ teachings. This is a call to a lifetime of obedience, knowing that following Jesus means more than a one-time decision—it’s an ongoing journey of faith and action.
Literary Analysis
Luke 6:47 is the opening of a parable that contrasts two types of builders. The verse introduces the key difference between them: one hears and acts, and the other hears but does not act. The structure of the verse is deliberate, emphasizing the progression of coming to Jesus, hearing His words, and then taking action.
The imagery of building a house sets the stage for the full parable, where the foundation becomes a symbol of stability and security. The phrase “puts them into practice” is central to the message, highlighting that obedience is the defining characteristic of the wise builder.
The verse’s simplicity and clarity make it a memorable introduction to the parable, inviting the audience to reflect on their own response to Jesus’ teachings. The question is implicit: Are you building your life on obedience to Christ or on superficial listening?
Biblical Cross-References
- James 1:22 – “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
- Matthew 7:24-27 – A parallel passage about the wise and foolish builders.
- John 14:23 – “Jesus replied, ‘Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.’”
- James 2:17 – “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
- Hebrews 3:15 – “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a call to move beyond passive listening and into active obedience. It’s easy to attend church, read the Bible, or listen to sermons without letting those teachings shape our lives. Jesus is reminding us that the true test of faith is not knowledge but action.
This verse encourages self-reflection: Are you putting Jesus’ words into practice in your daily life? Are you forgiving others, loving your enemies, and living out the commands found in Scripture? Hearing is important, but it’s only the beginning. Obedience is what demonstrates that we truly trust Jesus and His wisdom.
This teaching also offers hope. By building on the solid foundation of obedience to Christ, Christians can face life’s trials with confidence, knowing that their faith will sustain them. Obedience doesn’t guarantee a trouble-free life, but it does provide stability and peace when challenges come.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is evident in His desire for His people to live securely on a solid foundation. He knows that obedience to His commands leads to a life of blessing, stability, and peace. His commands are not meant to burden us—they are meant to guide us into a life that reflects His goodness and wisdom.
God’s love is also shown in His patience. Even when we fail to put His words into practice, He doesn’t abandon us. Instead, He offers grace and forgiveness, inviting us to return to Him and continue building on the foundation of obedience.
Ultimately, this verse reflects God’s desire for a close relationship with His people. He doesn’t just want us to hear about Him—He wants us to walk with Him, trust Him, and live according to His will. Obedience is a way of demonstrating our love for Him, and it’s through obedience that we experience the fullness of His love in return.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the foundation upon which believers build their lives. He is the solid rock mentioned in the parable, and obedience to His teachings is what secures a stable and enduring life. Throughout His ministry, Jesus demonstrated what it means to live in perfect obedience to the Father. His life was marked by humility, service, and submission to God’s will.
Through His death and resurrection, Jesus made it possible for believers to follow His example. By trusting in Him, believers receive the Holy Spirit, who empowers them to live in obedience. Without Jesus, it’s impossible to put His words into practice consistently. But through Him, we can build lives that withstand the storms of life and stand firm in the face of trials.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Are you simply hearing Jesus’ words, or are you actively putting them into practice in your daily life?
- What specific areas of your life do you need to bring into alignment with Jesus’ teachings?
- How do you respond when you struggle to obey God’s commands? Do you seek His help and grace, or do you try to rely on your own strength?
- What does it mean for you to build your life on the solid foundation of Jesus’ teachings?
- How does Jesus’ example of perfect obedience inspire you to live a life of faith and action?