Jesus is Lord of All, or He's Not Lord at All

Jesus is Lord of All, or He’s Not Lord at All

To my brothers and sisters in Christ,

It is a profound joy when we gather as the body of Christ. In song, prayer, the study of Scripture, or the warmth of fellowship, we experience the Lord’s gracious presence among us. Yet today, let’s pause—not merely as individuals, but as a community of Christians—and reflect honestly on what it means to call Jesus “Lord.”

I. The Weight of “Lord”

Jesus posed a challenging question to His disciples: “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?” (Luke 6:46, ESV). This question remains as relevant today as when He first spoke it. We are confronted with the reality that declarations of faith—however sincere—can fall short of genuine obedience.

The term “Lord” is rich in history and meaning. Originally, a “lord” was the provider and authority within a household. In the biblical context, when Jesus’ followers declared Him “Lord,” they confessed His sovereignty, not merely as a master but as God Himself. In the Christian realm, the term LORD, when referring to Jesus, signifies that God (Jesus) is our master and that we are His servants.

After washing His disciples’ feet, Jesus affirmed: “You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am.” (John 13:12-13, ESV) Paul’s words reinforce this truth: “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9, ESV) This confession is not a formula but a heart-deep recognition of Christ’s authority—enabled only by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:3). Ultimately, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess His lordship (Philippians 2:10-11). This raises the question: if we call Him Lord, does our obedience reflect our confession?

II. Worship, Obedience, and Dependence

Many churches today are blessed with skilled music, solid teaching, and a close-knit community. Yet even with these blessings, we may overlook the heart of obedience—often expressed in our dependence on God through prayer. Jesus taught: “They ought always to pray and not lose heart” (Luke 18:1, ESV). “Stay awake at all times, praying” (Luke 21:36, ESV). Paul echoed: “Be constant in prayer” (Romans 12:12, ESV). “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving” (Colossians 4:2, ESV). “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17, ESV).

Yet how often have we let busyness crowd out communal prayer? When was the last time our gatherings were fully devoted to seeking God in prayer? Throughout history, God’s people have often given Him the leftovers—going through the motions while neglecting true worship. The prophet Malachi cried out: “A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If then I am a father, where is my honor? And if I am a master, where is my fear? ... For I am a great King, says the LORD of hosts, and my name will be feared among the nations.” (Malachi 1:6, 14, ESV)

III. Modern Lessons: The Heart of Worship

Matt Redman’s song “The Heart of Worship” emerged from a church’s realization that worship had become about performance rather than obedience. The church paused. The instruments fell silent. Only heartfelt offerings—songs, prayers, and scriptures—remained. As Paul Martin observed: “We had become connoisseurs of worship instead of participants of it... We had forgotten that we are ALL the performers of worship and that God is the audience.” [Paul Martin, Soul Survivor-USA] When worship centers on our preferences, we lose focus. It’s all about Jesus.

IV. Living Under Christ’s Lordship

Jesus’ question— “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?”—calls us to authentic self-examination. In Luke 6, He described what genuine obedience looks like:

--Loving our enemies

--Doing good to those who hate us

--Blessing those who curse us

--Withholding judgment and condemnation

--Forgiving as we have been forgiven

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:15, ESV) As James reminds us: “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (James 1:22, ESV)

It is sobering: it is possible to participate in church life without submitting to Christ’s lordship in our hearts. J.C. Ryle put it well: “Open sin and avowed unbelief has no doubt destroyed its thousands. But profession without practice slays its tens of thousands.”

Think of Moses. Though a great leader, he paid a heavy price for his disobedience (Numbers 20:2-11). The lesson is clear: even faithful leaders can shift from God-centered service to self-centeredness. We may not strike rocks, but what about:

--Treating worship like entertainment

--Prioritizing our comfort and desires

--Going through motions with little heart?

Paul reminds us: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. ... For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works.” (Ephesians 2:8-10, ESV) Obedience is the fruit of a changed heart—not perfection, but faithfulness.

V. A Call to Authenticity and Prayer

It is easy to settle into a routine and to worship out of habit. But Jesus’ question persists—not to shame, but to invite us into a life-giving, obedient relationship. If Jesus is Lord, let it show in every sphere of life:

1. Return to Prayer

Let’s restore the discipline of corporate prayer. May we gather with expectancy, humility, and reliance on the Spirit.

2. Renew Our Obedience

Is there any area where you call Him “Lord” yet withhold obedience? “Now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2b, ESV) Let’s confess, turn, and trust Him anew.

3. Restore Worship

True worship is about Christ, not us. Let us bring not only our songs but also our hearts, our lives, and our obedience.

Conclusion

Jesus still asks: “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?” (Luke 6:46, ESV). He invites us—not to condemnation, but to deeper fellowship and authentic discipleship. “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13, ESV). Let us move beyond words and routine. Let us yield ourselves fully—our hearts, our worship, and our lives—to Jesus, our Lord.

Prayer

Lord Jesus,

We confess that too often we have called You Lord with our lips but not with our lives. Forgive our independence, our routines, and our pride. Restore a heart of worship—a heart that delights in doing Your will. Teach us to pray, seek You, and obey You. Let Your reign be evident in Your church, our homes, and our witness.

In Jesus' name, Amen.