The word LORD brings another very strong word into the life of the disciple. The term LORD (Greek: kurios) means inmost usage, OWNER. We see at once that the words 'Lord Jesus Christ' could as easily be written 'Owner Jesus Christ'. For the disciple, the significance is plain to see. It is more than a title, it is an OFFICE and POSITION. By being MASTER (Owner) Jesus Christ, we can immediately assume our own position as servants to the Master. There can only be ONE Master. There are many servants.
Thomas really had the correct concept in calling Jesus, "My Lord and my God".1 There is One God and One Lord.2 This puts the authority and position of Christ into right perspective. It also puts our role into the same correct perspective: servant.
The apostle, Peter says in Acts 2:36, "God has made Him Lord" and in 10:36 he says, "He is Lord of all".3 Jude uses the term "our only Lord Jesus Christ".4 Disciples now must view our Lord as Biblical disciples viewed Him: He is Lord!
The disciple is one who accepts, upon his conversion, the fact that he is under new Ownership, or Lordship. The battle of the ages is between our Lord Jesus Christ being in control of our life, or our individual selves and egos in control. This battle must be put to rest. Learning the joy of servanthood is learning the joy in WHOM we serve. We serve our Lord Jesus. He is KING.
It is interesting to note that the Lord Jesus never used His given Name but used His Title in making references to Himself. His disciples never addressed Him by His given Name, but by His Position, the Lord Jesus Christ. As disciples now, we should learn this proper relationship. He is not 'our good ole' buddy Jesus', but He is the LORD JESUS CHRIST!
Our new life in Christ calls us to know "we are no longer our own" but we have been bought by a new and loving Master. Our life and nature are now in harmony with the Lord Jesus Christ, not in contrast to Him. We live with "singleness of heart".5
Additional Scripture References:
Luke 19:33
Matthew 20:8, Matthew 6:24, Matthew 24:50
Acts 16:16
1 Peter 3:6
Acts 2:47
Mark 5:19
1. John 20:28
2. Ephesians 4:4-6
3. Acts 2:36, Acts 10:36
4. Jude 4
5. Ephesians 6:5
