KBM Lord

As most of you know we have been studying, over the last few weeks, the theme “Names of Jesus.” The goal has been to inspire a deeper appreciation for Jesus that we may grow closer to our savior. Today we are going to focus on the name “Lord.” Jesus is called Lord in the New Testament alone “284” times and out of those we find the phrase “Lord Jesus” 104 times. As such it is obvious that this is a very important name or title given the only begotten son of God. But what does the word “Lord” mean? We find this word found throughout the Old and New Testament and it always means “master” or “one who has authority over another.” This is why Sarah called Abraham “lord”in 1 Peter 3:6 because as her husband he had authority over her. Remember having authority isn’t domination but loving taking care of another by way of authority as seen in 1 Corinthians 11:3.

1 Corinthians 11:3 NKJV

3 But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.

God the father doesn’t “dominate” Jesus anymore than Jesus dominates man or man should woman. Again, what does this have to do with Jesus then being our Lord? Jesus declares something very important in Matthew 28:18 when he says…

Matthew 28:18 ESV

18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

This means when Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and resurrected in complete obedience to the Father’s will (Matthew 7:21; Hebrews 5:8) he was granted all authority over creation as he once had before becoming flesh (John 1:1-3; Philippians 2:6-7). Therefore, as the one “with all authority” over us he is our Lord. This means we must follow him or his word if we want to live with him for eternity. Notice what Jesus said in John 12:48.

John 12:48 ESV

48 The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day.

It’s unfortunate but far too many today only want Jesus the Savior but not Jesus the Lord. However, you cannot have one without the other. As we journey in this life toward our ultimate goal of living eternally with God let us keep in mind that we must not only love our Savior but our Master the Lord Jesus.