What is the significance of Luke 6:46?

Luke 6:46 records Jesus asking a poignant and challenging question: "Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?" This verse is nestled within a broader context of Jesus' teachings, specifically within the Sermon on the Plain, which is similar to the Sermon on the Mount found in the Gospel of Matthew. To understand the significance of this verse, we need to delve into the themes of obedience, discipleship, and the nature of true faith that Jesus emphasizes throughout His ministry.

The Call to Authentic Discipleship

Jesus' question in Luke 6:46 cuts to the heart of what it means to be His disciple. The term "Lord" (Greek: Kyrios) was a title of respect and authority, acknowledging Jesus' position and power. However, Jesus points out the inconsistency between calling Him "Lord" and failing to follow His teachings. This discrepancy highlights a superficial faith that acknowledges Jesus in words but not in actions.

In the verses immediately preceding Luke 6:46, Jesus teaches about the importance of bearing good fruit and the necessity of a solid foundation for one's life. He uses the metaphor of a tree and its fruit to illustrate that a person's actions reveal their true nature (Luke 6:43-45). This sets the stage for His question in verse 46, emphasizing that true discipleship is marked by obedience to His commands.

Obedience as Evidence of Faith

The significance of Luke 6:46 lies in its call for genuine obedience as the evidence of one's faith. Jesus' teachings throughout the Gospels make it clear that mere verbal profession of faith is insufficient. In Matthew 7:21, a parallel passage, Jesus says, "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." This underscores the idea that true faith is demonstrated through actions that align with God's will.

James, the brother of Jesus, echoes this sentiment in his epistle: "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves" (James 1:22). James further elaborates that faith without works is dead (James 2:17). The consistent message throughout the New Testament is that genuine faith manifests in obedience to God's commands.

Building on a Solid Foundation

Immediately following Luke 6:46, Jesus provides a parable about two builders, which further illustrates the importance of obedience. He compares those who hear His words and put them into practice to a man who builds his house on a solid foundation, able to withstand floods and storms (Luke 6:47-49). Conversely, those who hear His words but do not act on them are likened to a man who builds his house without a foundation, which collapses under pressure.

This parable reinforces the idea that obedience to Jesus' teachings is essential for a stable and enduring faith. It is not enough to merely listen to His words; one must also act on them. The foundation of a disciple's life must be built on the solid rock of Christ's teachings, ensuring resilience in the face of life's challenges.

The Heart of the Matter

At its core, Luke 6:46 addresses the issue of the heart. Jesus is not merely interested in outward conformity to a set of rules; He desires a transformation of the heart that results in genuine obedience. The Pharisees of Jesus' time were known for their meticulous adherence to the law, yet Jesus often rebuked them for their hypocrisy and lack of true righteousness (Matthew 23:27-28). Their actions were motivated by a desire for external approval rather than a heartfelt devotion to God.

In contrast, Jesus calls His followers to a higher standard of righteousness that flows from a transformed heart. This is evident in His teachings throughout the Sermon on the Plain, where He emphasizes love for enemies, forgiveness, and mercy (Luke 6:27-36). These commands are not just about external behavior but about cultivating a heart that reflects God's character.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

Understanding the significance of Luke 6:46 also involves recognizing the role of the Holy Spirit in enabling obedience. Jesus promised His disciples that the Holy Spirit would come to guide them into all truth and empower them to live according to His teachings (John 14:26; Acts 1:8). The indwelling of the Holy Spirit transforms believers from within, producing the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, encourages believers to "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure" (Philippians 2:12-13). This verse highlights the cooperative relationship between the believer's effort and God's empowering presence. Obedience to Jesus' commands is not achieved through human effort alone but through the transformative work of the Holy Spirit.

The Ultimate Test of Lordship

Finally, Luke 6:46 serves as a sobering reminder that Jesus' lordship demands total allegiance. To call Jesus "Lord" is to acknowledge His authority over every aspect of one's life. This includes not only moral and ethical behavior but also one's thoughts, attitudes, and priorities. Jesus' question challenges believers to examine whether their lives truly reflect His lordship.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, in his classic work "The Cost of Discipleship," writes about the concept of "cheap grace" versus "costly grace." Cheap grace, he explains, is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ. Costly grace, on the other hand, calls us to follow Jesus and to live out His teachings, even when it requires sacrifice and self-denial. Bonhoeffer's insights resonate with the message of Luke 6:46, reminding us that true discipleship involves a costly, wholehearted commitment to Jesus.

Conclusion

Luke 6:46 is a powerful and challenging verse that calls believers to examine the authenticity of their faith. Jesus' question, "Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?" exposes the inconsistency between verbal profession and actual obedience. It underscores the importance of genuine discipleship, where faith is demonstrated through actions that align with Jesus' teachings.

The significance of this verse lies in its call for a heartfelt commitment to Jesus' lordship, evidenced by a life of obedience. It reminds us that true faith goes beyond mere words and involves a transformation of the heart, empowered by the Holy Spirit. As believers, we are called to build our lives on the solid foundation of Christ's teachings, ensuring that our faith is resilient and enduring.

In reflecting on Luke 6:46, may we be challenged to live out our faith with sincerity and devotion, recognizing that Jesus' lordship demands our total allegiance and obedience.