From the staff of Dynamic Steward
Summary: Often we glean our concept of what Christ as Lord of our life means from a general impression or overview of the New Testament. But this lesson leads us directly to Jesus’ own words and thoughts about the meaning of ?lordship.?
Introduction
What did Jesus have to say about lordship? In this study we will take a look at some personal views of lordship as expressed by Jesus Christ. In other words, how did following Christ as Lord look to Him from His own perspective!
As a group, read Matthew 7:20-27.
Practicing His words
Jesus says, ?Not everyone who says to me, ?Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven.? If the ?fruit? that Jesus speaks of in Matthew 7:20 is not ?prophesying in His name or driving out demons and performing many miracles,? then, what is it? How discouraging to have done these ?good? things in the name of Jesus, only to hear His words: ?I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!?
Jesus’ response, ?I never knew you? is key to understanding who His disciples really are. They are those who ?hear His words and put them into practice?—those who ?do the will of the Father in heaven.? Those who are in intimate relationship with Him: ?For I know my sheep; and my sheep know me,? He declares. ?My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me? (John 10).
Read Matthew 25:31-45 together.
Sorting out sheep and goats
On Christ’s authority, saved sheep will be separated from lost goats. The interesting question posed by both groups is, ?Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison?.? And the king’s response: ?I tell you the truth, whatever you did [or did not do] for one of the least of these, you did for me.?
Following Christ as Lord means surrendering to His love, and with self-forgetful compassion, caring for the needs of His children. According to Jesus, both sheep and goats address Him as ?Lord,? but only one group showed that He was.
Read Luke 6:46-49 and John 13:12-17.
The heart speaks
?The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart ? for out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks,? says Jesus. ?Why do you call me, ?Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?? ?Listen to my words and put them into practice.?
?You call me ?Teacher’ and ?Lord,’ ? for that is what I am?. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you?. No servant is greater than his master?. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them? (Jn 13:13-17).
Discuss together what it means to you to rely upon and follow Christ as Lord.
