Luke 6:46
“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Luke 6:46
“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Jesus isn't just pointing out a contradiction; He's highlighting a hollow claim. Saying "Lord, Lord" with your mouth, but refusing to act on His words with your life, is like claiming allegiance without loyalty, a confession without commitment.
Jesus has just delivered His profound Sermon on the Plain, laying out the core principles of His kingdom and the radical lifestyle it demands. This verse directly follows His parable contrasting those who hear His words and act on them with those who hear but do not act, highlighting the dire consequences of building one's life on a faulty foundation.
You can say 'Lord, Lord' all day long, but Jesus asks a piercing question: Does your life back it up? This isn't just about words; it's about the actions that prove our allegiance.
Jesus confronts a dangerous disconnect: the gap between professing his lordship and actually obeying him. He highlights that calling him 'Lord' is meaningless if our actions contradict our words. This isn't a call to earn salvation through works, but a demonstration that true faith naturally leads to obedience. As Calvin points out, 'not every one that saith to me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he who shall do the will of my Father.' This means our outward confession must be matched by an inward transformation that results in doing what Jesus teaches.
What's the difference between a religious performance and genuine devotion? Jesus cuts through the noise, pointing to the source of true discipleship: an obedient heart.
Jesus' question implies that true lordship is recognized not by mere repetition of a title, but by submission to his teachings. It's not about what we say, but what we do. Clarke wisely notes, 'God judges of the heart, not by words, but by works.' This means that acknowledging Jesus as Lord isn't just an intellectual assent or a verbal declaration; it's a commitment of the will that expresses itself in action. True faith, the kind that saves, is inherently active and seeks to align one's life with Christ's commands.
Understand the original words
kyrios · Greek Noun
A title of authority, respect, or divinity. In the New Testament, it acknowledges Jesus as the sovereign ruler and the divine God to whom one owes total obedience.
poieō · Greek Verb
In a biblical context, to 'do' or 'practice' implies an active, ongoing obedience to God’s commands, demonstrating the reality of one's faith through works.
This teaching of Jesus, recorded in Luke, echoes Old Testament prophets who condemned empty religious profession. It was spoken during His active ministry when crowds were recognizing Him, but often superficially, highlighting the stark contrast between outward acknowledgment and inward obedience, a theme amplified by Israel's history of judgment for hypocrisy.
c. 740 BC
Prophecy of Isaiah
Isaiah prophesied during a time of political instability and impending judgment for Israel and Judah, warning against empty religious ritual and calling for true justice and obedience.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Invasion of Judah
King Sennacherib of Assyria invaded Judah, laying siege to Jerusalem. This event highlighted the precariousness of Judah's political situation and the people's reliance on God amidst external threats.
c. 605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon conquered Judah, exiling many of its elite, including Daniel. This marked the beginning of the Babylonian Captivity, a period of profound national crisis.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
Babylonian forces destroyed Jerusalem and its Temple, exiling the remaining population. This catastrophic event represented a divine judgment and a severe test of faith for the Jewish people.
This passage directly parallels Jesus' teaching in Luke 6:46, emphasizing that saying 'Lord, Lord' isn't enough for kingdom entry; it's doing the Father's will that truly matters.
Malachi 1:6This Old Testament passage poses a similar rhetorical question about a lack of reverence and obedience from those who claim a relationship with God, highlighting the enduring theme of true worship being demonstrated through action.
James 1:22James echoes Jesus' sentiment by urging believers not to be mere hearers of the word but doers, underscoring that genuine faith is evidenced by obedient action, not just passive reception.
John 14:15Jesus Himself states, 'If you love me, you will keep my commandments,' directly linking love for Him to obedience, which is the core of the challenge in Luke 6:46.
Matthew 25:11-12The parable of the ten virgins illustrates the danger of a superficial profession of faith. Their lack of preparedness (doing what was necessary) contrasts with those who were ready, mirroring the disconnect between calling Jesus 'Lord' and not doing what He says.
calvinLuke 6:46: "And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?"
Not every one that saith to me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, bu the who shall do the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name, and in thy name have cast out devils, and in thy name have done many wonderful works? 23. And then will I confess to them, I never knew you depart from me, you who work iniquity.
An…
clarkeLuke 6:46: "And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?"
Lord, Lord - God judges of the heart, not by words, but by works. A good servant never disputes, speaks little, and always follows his work. Such a servant a real Christian is: such is a faithful minister, always intent either on the work of his own salvation, or that of his neighbor; speaking more to God than to men; and to these as in the presence of God. The tongue is fitly compared by one to a pump, which emptie…
Jesus isn't just pointing out a contradiction; He's highlighting a hollow claim. Saying "Lord, Lord" with your mouth, but refusing to act on His words with your life, is like claiming allegiance without loyalty, a confession without commitment.
Jesus has just delivered His profound Sermon on the Plain, laying out the core principles of His kingdom and the radical lifestyle it demands. This verse directly follows His parable contrasting those who hear His words and act on them with those who hear but do not act, highlighting the dire consequences of building one's life on a faulty foundation.
Jesus has just delivered His profound Sermon on the Plain, laying out the core principles of His kingdom and the radical lifestyle it demands. This verse directly follows His parable contrasting those who hear His words and act on them with those who hear but do not act, highlighting the dire consequences of building one's life on a faulty foundation.
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c. 20 BC - 10 BC
Ministry of John the Baptist
John the Baptist preached a message of repentance and preparation for the coming Messiah, calling people to live lives consistent with their proclaimed faith.
c. AD 28 - 30— this verse
Jesus' Public Ministry Begins
Jesus began his public ministry, teaching and performing miracles, gathering followers who acknowledged his authority but also challenging those whose actions did not align with his teachings.
c. AD 30 - 33
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
The culmination of Jesus' earthly ministry, His death and resurrection, served as the ultimate act of obedience and the foundation for a new covenant, challenging all who claim to follow Him to live by faith and action.
"“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?" — Jesus isn't just pointing out a contradiction; He's highlighting a hollow claim. Saying "Lord, Lord" with your mouth, but refusing to act on His words with your life, is like claiming allegiance with…