Is Jesus “Kyrios” of Your Life?
But why do you call Me “Lord, Lord,” and not do the things which I say?
Luke 6:46
In today’s Western Hemisphere languages of English and Spanish, we probably do not understand that the words “No” and “Lord” should never be in the same sentence. (Peter tried that once, and he learned a unique lesson! See Acts chapter ten.)
In our American English, the word “Lord” is usually only used in religious contexts. For most people, saying “Jesus” or “Lord Jesus” has about the same meaning.
Now in Spanish, the title “Señor Jesús” slightly raises the level of respect. However, the English translation of “Señor” is “Mister.” So it is literally the same as saying “Mr. Jesus.”
In the New Testament, “Lord” is the Greek word “Kyrios.” It comes from the word “Kuros,” which means “authority.” So the very first thing to get straightened out in our Western mindset is that “Kyrios” is not just a cute phrase to show respect but a serious matter of supreme authority. In fact, saying “No” and “Kyrios” would be a serious act of rebellion!
Here is a powerful declaration about the absolute Lordship and Authority of Jesus Christ. Notice how often the word “every” is used. That denotes Jesus’ absolute supremacy!
Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the Name which is above EVERY name,
Philippians 2:9-11
That at the Name of Jesus EVERY knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth,
And that EVERY tongue should confess THAT JESUS CHRIST IS LORD, to the glory of God the Father.
When Paul explains how a person can come to Jesus and be saved, it is obvious to see that confessing with our mouth that “Jesus is Lord” is a vital part of that process:
Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord [“Kyrios”] and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Romans 10:9-10 (ESV)
For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.
Speaking out the words “Jesus is Lord” acknowledges not only Jesus’ supreme authority but also involves a transfer of power. In effect, we are saying, “I am no longer the owner and master of my life. I am surrendering full control to the Lord Jesus.”
This is why saying “Lord, Lord” to Jesus and not doing what He says no small matter. In Matthew’s parallel passage, Jesus makes the seriousness of His point even more apparent:
Not everyone who says to me, ”Lord, Lord,” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 7:21-23 (ESV)
On that day many will say to me, ”Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?”
And then will I declare to them, “I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.”
In the previous chapter of Matthew, Jesus modeled a prayer for His disciples, which contains one key phrase:
Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name.
Matthew 6:9-10 (ESV)
Your Kingdom come, Your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven…”
And then He ended by acknowledging God’s supreme authority: “For Yours is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.”
In Luke 7:1-10, the Roman centurion was not a Jew awaiting the return of the Messiah (the “Christ” or the “Anointed One”). He was a Gentile (non-Jew) with love and concern for his servant, yet he effectively understood the meaning of “Kyrios” better than most Jews! He recognized Jesus’ absolute authority and power. And that is why he believed. His faith in Jesus was a simple calculation: Jesus is “Kyrios”!
His display of faith in Jesus’ authority is impressive. He did not need Jesus to come to his house. One who is “Kyrios” has all the authority and power and only needs to speak the word!
Wow! His faith so impressed Jesus! Jesus spoke the word, and that centurion’s servant was healed that very hour. We only read of two Gentiles (non-Jew) that received healings. This Roman soldier and a Canaanite woman (Mat 15:21-28; Mark 7:24-30). Both of them came to Jesus on behalf of someone else they loved. Both of them expressed genuine humility. Both of them were highly commended by Jesus: “I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!”
We must not miss this! A proper understanding of “Kyrios” can produce “great faith” in us. That’s powerful!
In the New Testament, we read that Jesus is the “Lord of Lords” or “Kyrios of kyrios.” Some have suggested that “Kyrios of kyrios” denotes that Jesus is twice as high as the highest.
Which He will manifest in His own time, He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and LORD OF LORDS,
1 Timothy 6:15-16
Who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen.
These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is LORD OF LORDS and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.
Revelation 17:14
And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
Revelation 19:16
In eternity, EVERY knee will bow, and EVERY tongue will confess that Jesus is “Kyrios” – EVERYONE in both Heaven and Hell – whether they said “Yes” or “No” to Jesus. So doesn’t it simply makes sense to say, “Yes, Lord” now instead of later? Why should we be afraid to give all authority and control of our life to our Savior and Lord – our “Kyrios” Jesus Christ?
Isaiah prophesied about the Son of God’s amazing eternal Kingdom – a Kingdom that starts right now in our lives and continues into eternity:
For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given;
Isaiah 9:6-7
And the GOVERNMENT will be upon His shoulder.
And His Name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of His GOVERNMENT and peace there will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
Imagine a kingdom where the government and peace continue to increase exponentially throughout all of eternity! The more we allow His government to increase in our lives from the inside out, the more His peace will also increase in and around our lives both now and eternally! Therefore, let’s allow the government of our lives to rest upon “His shoulders”!
Jesus is “Kyrios of kyrios,” and He can do anything He pleases, yet in divine humility, He patiently waits for us to make that choice in our life. And when we do, EVERYTHING changes!
Dear Jesus, I confess You as “Kyrios” – You acknowledge that You are twice as high as the highest. I set You as “Kyrios” over every aspect of my life! I choose to allow the full governing of my life to rest upon Your shoulders. Oh, let Your Kingdom and supreme authority come – on earth (in my life) just as it is in Heaven! Have absolute sway over my life right now and forever. I believe and thank You for the Your ever-increasing government and peace over, in, and through my life – a peace the world cannot give (John 14:27) and a peace that “passes all understanding” (Phil 4:8). For Yours is the Kingdom, the power and glory forever. Amen.
