Today’s Daily Bible Verse: Empty Faith

June 27, 2025

Luke chapter 6 verse 46:
And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

VERSE CONTEXT

This powerful statement was spoken by Jesus during what is often called the “Sermon on the Plain,” a message that parallels the more well-known “Sermon on the Mount.” While Matthew emphasized the setting on a mountain, Luke’s Gospel (written by Luke the physician and companion of Paul) highlights a more level setting to symbolize Jesus reaching people of every class and background. Luke’s Gospel often emphasizes Jesus’ heart for the outcast, the Gentile, the poor, and the sinner.

In Luke chapter 6, Jesus had just finished teaching on love for enemies, judging others, and the fruit of righteousness. Then He asked this question to pierce through hypocrisy: Why do you say I am your Lord if you do not obey Me? The Greek word for “Lord” here is Kyrios (κύριος) [KOO-ree-os], meaning “master,” “owner,” or “sovereign.” In Hebrew culture, calling someone Lord was a declaration of submission and authority. So when Jesus says, “Why call ye me, Lord, Lord,” He’s pointing out the contradiction of honoring Him with words while denying Him in action.

This verse isn’t just a mild rebuke; it is a courtroom charge. Jesus is challenging all who profess Him to consider whether their lives match their lips. The repetition of Lord, Lord adds urgency and emphasis; it reflects a passionate, outward show of allegiance. But words mean nothing without obedience.

BROADER CONTEXT

This verse serves as the climax to Luke’s version of the Sermon. Right after this, in verses 47–49, Jesus tells the parable of the wise and foolish builders; the one who hears and does His words is like a man who dug deep and laid the foundation on rock. But the one who hears and does not obey is like a man who built his house without a foundation. So Luke 6:46 introduces that teaching by confronting the heart of every professing follower: Do you obey Me, or do you only acknowledge Me when it’s convenient?

This is also connected to the greater theme of all four Gospels: true discipleship. Jesus is not interested in empty religion, ritualistic obedience, or shallow allegiance. Over and over again, He exposes superficial faith, people who follow Him for miracles or popularity but not for truth, holiness, and surrender. Luke 6:46 cuts straight to the core of the Christian walk: If He is your Lord, obedience is not optional.

APPLICATION

APPRECIATING GOD’S GREATNESS

God is not silent. He speaks, He teaches, and He commands, but not to burden us. He gives commands because He is holy and because obedience leads to life, blessing, and spiritual freedom. It is a testimony of His mercy that He even invites us to obey rather than simply judging us for disobedience. That Jesus would ask this question shows that He desires not just our service, but our hearts.

FOR THE BELIEVER

Jesus is asking us today, “Why do you call Me your Lord but live in contradiction to My Word?” If we call Him Lord, that means we’ve surrendered every area of life to Him: our words, our choices, our relationships, and our priorities. This verse confronts the danger of lip-service Christianity. Church attendance, Christian phrases, and emotional worship are not enough. Our obedience must be real, daily, and wholehearted.

CALL TO ACTION

Examine your life today. Is there a command of Jesus you’re ignoring? Is there something He has told you to do that you’ve delayed, avoided, or refused? Don’t harden your heart. Let this verse prompt repentance and renewal. Confess where you’ve fallen short and make a firm decision to do what Jesus says, not just say what He wants to hear.

FOR THE UNBELIEVER

You may believe Jesus is a good teacher or prophet. But He is more; He is Lord. And He is calling you not just to admire Him but to follow and obey Him. Luke 6:46 warns that claiming Jesus without obeying Him is meaningless. Salvation begins with surrender. If you have never repented and made Jesus your Lord, your Master, not just your safety net, today is the day to do it. Call on Him in truth, and begin to walk in obedience by faith.

FINAL ENCOURAGEMENT

Jesus is not fooled by titles or religious appearances. He sees the heart. Luke 6:46 is not a condemnation, it’s an invitation to real discipleship. To call Jesus Lord is to recognize Him as King, Redeemer, and Ruler. Don’t just say it, live it. His commands are not grievous; they are life-giving. Build your life on His Word, and walk in obedience, not just admiration.

PRAYER

Lord Jesus,
You are worthy to be called Lord in every sense of the word. Forgive us for the times we have honored You with our lips but resisted You with our actions. Teach us to obey not out of fear but out of love. Help us to examine ourselves honestly, to surrender our pride, and to follow You in every area of life. May our words and our deeds reflect the truth that You are Lord of all. In Your holy and precious name we pray, Amen.

CLOSING

If you’ve found these daily verses encouraging, enlightening, or fruitful, please consider helping us spread the truth and light of God’s Word by subscribing to the blog and YouTube channels and liking and following the Facebook page. Most of all, share Believers of Biblical Truth and our links with others who may need the sermons and daily teachings just as much as we do.

You are loved; so much in fact, we want you to know and be Believers of Biblical Truth.


Shalom Shalom.