As we continue examining the first commandment within the God’s Image study, I want to stay with the distinction between the Father and Jesus Christ.
In the previous post, we considered those called gods and the importance of identifying their roles. The title Lord also requires that care.
When Jesus is called Lord, what does the passage tell us about his authority? Who gives it? And how does his position relate to the Father?
The Father and the Lord Jesus Christ
In 1 Corinthians 8:6, Paul identifies the Father as the one God and Jesus Christ as the one Lord.
The LSB describes the Father with the words “from whom are all things” and Jesus with “by whom are all things,” concluding that “we exist through Him.”
In our previous post, the ASV used through whom where the LSB uses by whom. As we move between translations, I want to keep the relationship visible: the Father as the Source, and Jesus as the one through whom all things are.
That is how I understand Paul’s distinction. The title Lord belongs within that relationship.
Authority That Has Been Given
After his resurrection, Jesus says:
“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.”
— Matthew 28:18, LSB
I want to notice both the extent of this authority and the fact that it has been given.
Jesus describes authority reaching throughout heaven and earth. The words also identify him as its recipient.
In my understanding, this helps explain his unique position as Lord. His authority is real and far-reaching, while the relationship between the giver and the receiver remains meaningful.
To honor that authority faithfully, I want to preserve what Jesus says about receiving it.
Faithful to the One Who Appointed Him
Hebrews adds another part of the picture. It asks readers to consider Jesus and describes him as faithful to the One who appointed him. The passage then compares his place with that of Moses. Hebrews 3:1–6
Moses serves faithfully within the house. Christ holds the position of Son over it:
“but Christ was faithful as a Son over His house”
— Hebrews 3:6, LSB
The distinction between in and over, and between servant and Son, deserves attention.
The surrounding verses also give Jesus greater honor than Moses through the comparison of a builder with a house, and identify God as the builder of all things. Those details remain part of the passage as we examine the relationships.
When I describe Jesus as master of God’s house, I am expressing my understanding of his authority by bringing this passage alongside those identifying him as Lord. Hebrews itself uses the description Son over the house.
A Shared Title and a Particular Role
This is why I do not begin with the assumption that everyone called Lord must have the same identity or position.
I ask what the passage assigns to the person bearing the title. Here, we have Jesus receiving authority and occupying the place of Son over the house.
For me, these descriptions help explain how to honor Jesus while keeping the Father’s place as Source intact. Jesus’ lordship has its own significance within that relationship.
This continues the question raised by the first commandment: how do we recognize and honor the roles Scripture gives without placing another before YHWH (יהוה)?
My understanding is that honoring the Son includes respecting his relationship to the Father. His authority must be considered together with the One from whom he receives.
Keeping Love at the Center
Throughout this series, I want to return often to Jesus’ answer in Matthew 22:37–40.
He identifies wholehearted love for God as the foremost commandment, followed by loving our neighbor as ourselves. He then says:
“On these two commandments hang the whole Law and the Prophets.”
— Matthew 22:40, LSB
That gives direction to our examination of the Ten Commandments.
Putting God first belongs within loving Him. The commands concerning other people show us how that love reaches into our treatment of them. Faithfulness, truthfulness, and respect for another person’s life and relationships are ways love becomes visible.
Understanding roles should deepen that faithfulness. It should lead us to consider how we honor God, how we respond to Jesus, and how we treat the people before us.
Our Place in the House
Hebrews 3:6 also connects the readers with the house and calls them to hold firmly to their confidence and hope.
That brings this comparison back to the God’s Image study. Receiving and belonging lead into the responsibility of continuing faithfully.
As I examine the Son’s place over the house, I also need to consider my response. Am I listening? Am I willing to follow? Does my treatment of others agree with the love Jesus commands?
These are questions I want to carry as we continue exploring the first commandment.
Threads to Follow
The Father as Source: Keeping the relationship in 1 Corinthians 8:6 visible.
Authority given to Jesus: Noticing both its extent and its giver.
The Son over the house: Examining appointment, faithfulness, and responsibility.
Shared titles and distinct roles: Letting each passage describe the relationship.
Love for God and neighbor: Returning to Matthew 22:37–40 throughout the commandments.
The books were opened…
🌿 By Maria Emilia
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