Over and over in the gospels, we read that for the period of three years when Jesus was doing ministry throughout Israel, he was almost constantly surrounded by crowds. The people were fascinated by him. They knew he was different. Set apart. They knew that this man – whoever he was – was capable of doing things that no one else could do. He was healing. He was feeding crowds from scraps. He was speaking boldly about topics that were hard for even the top religious “educated” experts of the time to grapple with. He was honest. He was compassionate. He was bold, yet righteous. Was it any wonder that the crowds came? Was it any wonder that word of him was spreading like wildfire?
And so many people – from all over – came to see for themselves. They wanted to experience and receive what Jesus was offering.
The Gospel of Luke chapter 6 brings us to a place in Jesus’ ministry where we see some of Jesus’ best-documented teachings. Early in the chapter, we learn that Jesus, the Son of God, was about to choose his 12 disciples and so he withdrew to a mountain, alone, where “he prayed to God all night.” (v. 12) This was not a flippant choice or decision. Jesus sought his Father to ensure that the exact men God wanted would be those who were closest to Jesus and received the absolute most teaching and investing of his time. We have the privilege to know some of the “why’s.” We know that God’s plan for salvation would ultimately lead Jesus to die on a cross, rise from the dead and that these chosen men each served a Kingdom purpose for promoting the Word, or as in the case of Judas, fulfilling prophecy.
But the twelve weren’t the only consistent people following Jesus. Those crowds were present. Some were no doubt present only when Jesus was in their vicinity. Some left their homes, families, and careers to follow him around and glean from him whatever they could.
How did those crowds so often refer to Jesus?
I had this thought as I read this morning. It actually began while listening to a powerful podcast yesterday morning, but sort of tied everything together today for me. There are a lot of people – American’s for example, who would say that Jesus is LORD. They say that by identifying themselves as “Christian.” Maybe they grew up in a Christian home. Maybe they just believe that a higher power does exist and they kind of like Jesus as the best option for that. Maybe they do actually go to church or watch a church service online. They identify as Christian. But is Christ their Savior? Is Christ their LORD?
Jesus says it this way: “So why do you keep calling me, ‘LORD, LORD!’ when you don’t do what I say?”
Let’s pause here for a moment.
Is Jesus talking to us? As Christ-followers I certainly hope that we are doing some self-reflection here and letting Jesus’ question apply to our lives, as well as the crowds who followed him as he walked here on earth. Are we doing what Jesus says? If we are not – if we are excusing ourselves from it – or worse yet – not making any effort to know what he even says or blindly trust someone else to reveal it to us – I would say we are missing the mark. Jesus isn’t your LORD and Savior if you ignore him and his teaching and do what you feel is right, what is good, and what will make you happy. You are. You are your lord. You are your savior, regardless of what your mouth says.
Christ-followers, men, and women who are completely invested in a relationship with God and His Son, Jesus Christ, will care less about happiness than they will holiness. Christ-followers will care less about fitting in and pleasing others – accepting everything as “their truth” and submit to the fact that there is One Truth – God’s. Christ-followers know God’s Word, study it, cherish it, and continue to try and apply it to their lives – allowing it to transform them. Christ-followers put God in the drivers’ seat – the place of honor in their lives and seek Him for guidance, strength, wisdom, courage – all their needs.
We cannot be true followers of Jesus – calling him “LORD” unless we treat him like he is.
Jesus said, “I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it. It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands because it is well built.” (Luke 6:47-48)
Friend, the alternative to building on the Rock of Christ is sand. What you say isn’t enough. We cannot just call ourselves Christians – and identify Jesus as “LORD” if we aren’t doing what he says and treating him like one. The words just aren’t enough.
LORD, I do pray that each person reading this would be willing to look at the state of their heart and mind and be completely transparent with themselves and with you. I ask that you would reveal to us the truth about our thinking and living. Lead us in the ways of change toward becoming less absorbed by self and more and more passionate about your righteousness. Lead us into a place of humility and submission before you. Holiness is what we seek. Faithful to you – not distracted or misled by others. Open your Word up to us. Create within us clean and right hearts – hearts that place you truly as the LORD and Savior of our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Blessings.