Jesus is Lord
What does this mean?

The phrase “Jesus is Lord” isn’t just a nice-sounding mantra or a something we say in church on Sunday without really thinking. It’s a call to transformation that should impact every area and every moment of our lives. What does it truly mean and how does it impact your daily life? Let’s dive in!

The New Testament was written in Greek, and the word for “Lord” used in the phrase “Jesus is Lord” is kyrios. This word can mean master, owner, or even sovereign. In Roman society, kyrios was often used to refer to someone with absolute authority, like a ruler or emperor. For early Christians to say “Jesus is Lord” was bold, radical, and even dangerous. Why? Because Caesar was declared lord. In fact, the phrase, “Kaiser Kyrios,” which translates to “Caesar is Lord” was used as a test of loyalty to the Roman Empire. If one refused to repeat the phrase they would be outcast from society and at times even executed. Saying Jesus is Lord was a direct counter-cultural statement, proclaiming that Jesus, not Caesar, had ultimate authority.

This declaration wasn’t just about worship; it was about allegiance, identity, and purpose. In saying Jesus is Lord, early Christians were pledging loyalty to Jesus above all else, even at the risk of persecution. It also redefined who they were. They were no longer identified by their nationality, status, or profession but by their belonging to Christ. Their lives were no longer their own. They lived to serve Jesus, reflecting his Kingdom on earth. When they said, “Jesus is Lord,” they weren’t saying it half-heartedly. It was a full surrender, a bold declaration that Jesus had ultimate authority over every aspect of their lives.

What does this mean for me today, you might ask. What does it mean for Jesus to be Lord of my life? When we call Jesus “Lord,” we’re saying he’s the boss, the ruler, the one in charge. It means giving him complete authority over every aspect of our lives – our thoughts, our decisions, our relationships, our ambitions. It’s surrendering our autonomy and placing our lives under his rule.

Think of it this way: If Jesus is Lord of your life, it’s not just about attending church on Sunday or reading your Bible occasionally. It’s about saying:

“Lord, my time is yours.”
“Lord, my finances are yours.”
“Lord, my relationships are yours.”
“Lord, my career is yours.”
“Lord, my next breath is yours.”

You see, Jesus doesn’t just want to be a part of your life. He wants to BE your life.

When you declare that Jesus is Lord, it leads to the realization that Christ is now your life (Colossians 3:4). This isn’t about adding Jesus to our lives like a spiritual side dish. It’s about making him the main course, the foundation, and the center of everything. Paul captures this beautifully in Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” To say “Jesus is Lord” is to live as if he truly is our life – guiding every decision, shaping every thought, and defining our identity and purpose. 

Ok, but how do we let Jesus truly be Lord of our lives? Here are some practical steps to jumpstart this in your life:

1) Start with 30 seconds a day where you surrender everything completely to him. Set a timer on your phone. Once that timer begins, you are fully surrendered until it goes off. That’s how I started on my journey to a more complete surrender. Sometimes you have to start small. This time might look different for different people. Some may find they’re able to surrender naturally. That is they can simply let go of their schedule, their goals for the day, their dreams for the future and release them to the Lord. For others, that’s more difficult. If you’re stuck just start by praying: “Jesus, I surrender my plans, my time, my mind, and my heart to you.”

2) Read Scripture and write down any titles, verses, or phrases that will help renew your mind to the fact that he indeed is Lord and worthy of being Lord of your life

3)Make him the Alpha and Omega of your day. Meaning, make him your first thought when you wake and your last thought before going to bed. In so doing you make him Lord of the first and last moments of your day.

4) Prioritize community and relationships with those who have made Jesus Lord of their lives. Let them encourage you and admonish you into greater surrender (Hebrews 10:24-25; Colossians 3:16)

5) Challenge yourself to read the Word and do what it says (James 1:22)

6) Seek his will. Before making your next decision for the day, even if it’s a small one, ask “Lord Jesus, what do you want for me and for others in this situation?” This will get you in the habit of seeking what he wants over your own preferences. 

It’s important to note that when Jesus is Lord, your life isn’t just about surviving; it’s about thriving in his purpose for you. You’re no longer weighed down by trying to control everything because you’ve placed it all in his more than capable hands. And here’s the best part: He’s not a distant, uncaring ruler. He’s a loving Lord who desires to know you, who cares for you, and who has abundant life for you in mind. His rule isn’t oppressive. It’s liberating.

Take a moment today to reflect: Is Jesus just a part of your life, or is he your Lord? Surrendering to him may seem like a leap, but it’s the kind of leap that leads to freedom, purpose, and joy. After all, he’s not just any lord. He’s the Lord of lords, which makes him worthy of our all. Let him be Lord of your life today.