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In this series we're talking about the names and descriptive
phrases identifying Jesus. Thus far we've talked about Jesus
as God,
our Creator,
the Word,
the Son of
God, and the Lamb
of God.
In this article, we talk about Jesus as Lord.
Jesus is Lord
Paul, speaking of Jesus, says, "who was declared the Son
of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according
to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord"
(Rom. 1:4).
Jesus is "Lord," a term used a variety of ways in the
Bible.
- As an adjective it means "having power" (kuros)
or "authority" (Vine's).
- Therefore, as a noun (despotes) it mean "a master,
lord, one who possesses supreme authority" (Vine's).
"Lord" Used of The Father and Son
The Father is Lord (Jude 1:5), and Jesus is Lord (Jude 1:4).
Paul usually uses "Lord" to reference Jesus, but not always.
- Paul ordinarily uses kurios of the Lord Jesus
(1 Cor. 1:3), but also on occasion of God, in quotations
from the Old Testament (1 Cor. 3:20), and in his own words
(1 Cor. 3:5; cf. 1 Cor. 3:10) (Vine's).
Other writers frequently use the term "Lord" interchangeably.
- In Acts 2:34-35, Peter uses "Lord" for God and "Lord"
for Jesus in the same statement. "'The Lord said to
my Lord, "Sit at my right hand. . . .'"
Therefore, we must be careful to understand of whom the
word "Lord" is used, whether of the Father or Jesus. If
not, we could make false conclusions, resulting in false
doctrine.
Jesus: Made Lord by God
Jesus was made Lord by the Father.
- "Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain
that God has made Him both Lord and Christ -- this
Jesus whom you crucified" (Acts 2:36).
This makes perfect sense, understanding the meaning of
the word "Lord."
- "Lord" means having power or authority.
- Since God gave Jesus all authority in heaven and earth,
He made Him Lord (Matt. 28:18).
Jesus is Lord of All
Peter, speaking to the people assembled at Cornelius' house,
says, "I most certainly understand now that God is not one
to show partiality, but in every nation the man who fears
Him and does what is right is welcome to Him. The word which
He sent to the sons of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus
Christ (He is Lord of all)" (Acts 10:35-36).
In other words, Jesus is everyone's Lord. Every person
is obligated to obey Him, whether Jew or Gentile, slave
or free, male or female (Gal. 3:28).
Jesus is the Lord of Glory
Speaking of the people who crucified Jesus, Paul says they
crucified "the Lord of glory" (1 Cor. 2:8).
"This expression is a Hebraism, and means 'the glorious
Lord;' or the 'Messiah.' Expressions like this, where a
noun performs the office of an adjective, are common in
the Hebrew language" (Barnes).
Today, Jesus is glorified as He rules, sitting at the
"right hand of the power of God" -- "the right hand of the
throne of God" (Lk. 22:69; Heb. 12:2).
Jesus is Lord of Lords
John, seeing Jesus defeat His enemies, says:
- "These will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb
will overcome them, because He is Lord of lords and
King of kings, and those who are with Him are the
called and chosen and faithful" (Rev. 17:14).
- "And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name
written, 'King of kings, and Lord of lords'" (Rev.
19:16).
Jesus rules over all the nations of the earth, having
all authority in heaven and earth (Matt. 28:18). He is:
- The Ruler of the kings of the earth (Rev. 1:5).
- The blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and
Lord of lords (1 Tim. 6:15).
- The Prince of Peace (Is. 9:6).
Sanctify Christ as Lord in Your Heart
Our responsibility is to "sanctify Christ as Lord in
our hearts" (1 Pet. 3:15).
Peter, in the context of this statement, makes several
good points for our consideration (1 Pet. 3:13-17).
- We are blessed, no matter what happens to us,
when Christ is sanctified as Lord in our hearts (vs. 13-14).
- There is no reason to be afraid of what others
may do to us, when Christ is sanctified as Lord in our
hearts (vs. 14).
- When Christ is sanctified as Lord in our hearts, we're
ready to make a defense to everyone who asks us to
give an account for the hope within us, with gentleness
and reverence (vs. 15).
- When Christ is sanctified as Lord in our hearts, we
have a good conscience, even if people slandered and
reviled us for our good behavior in Christ (vs. 16).
- When Christ is sanctified as Lord in our hearts,
it's better to suffer for doing what's right rather
than for doing what's wrong (vs. 17).
God made Jesus the Lord of each person's life. The only
question is whether we'll accept Him as our Lord.
As Christians, we accept Jesus as our Lord, and obey Him
in all things.
To be continued.
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