by Shannon Caughey

Being referred to as “Coach” can have a range of meanings, depending on who is using this title for you. When someone outside your program calls you “Coach,” they may just intend it as a polite way to address you. However, when one of your long-time players who thrived under your leadership calls you “Coach,” this title is likely spoken with deep respect for you and allegiance to you.

One of the most frequent titles for Jesus throughout the New Testament is “Lord.” Similar to “Coach,” this title has a range of meanings. The original Greek word translated “Lord” (kurios) can just be a term used to refer to a superior in a polite, respectful way—like saying “master” or “sir.” But in the Greek translation of the Old Testament, kurios (“Lord”) is used when translating the Hebrew version of God’s personal, unique name: “Yahweh.” In this sense, “Lord” is a name or title referring directly to the one true God.

There are some New Testament instances in which Jesus is called “Lord” as a respectful recognition of his human authority. Most of the time, however, this title for Jesus has far greater significance. As we’ve been looking at in this series of devotions, understanding the names and titles of Jesus helps us know him more fully. The better our knowledge of who Jesus is, the deeper our motivation becomes to live and coach for him. Knowing Jesus as “Lord” is central to following him in every area.

The disciples of Jesus regularly called him “Lord,” recognizing he was more than an ordinary human being. When many turned away from Jesus and he asked if the disciples were also going to leave, Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God” (John 6:68-69). Upon encountering Jesus after his resurrection from the dead, Thomas declared to him in John 20:28, “My Lord and my God!”

New Testament authors repeatedly use “Lord” to speak of Jesus, affirming that he is God in the flesh. In Romans 1:4, Paul says Jesus “was shown to be the Son of God when he was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is Jesus Christ our Lord.” Jesus also refers to himself as “Lord.” In Mark 11, Jesus tells his disciples to go to a nearby village and get a donkey for his entrance into Jerusalem. He says, “If anyone asks, ‘What are you doing?’ just say, ‘The Lord needs it and will return it soon.’”

To know Jesus is to trust and follow the one who is “King of all kings and Lord of all lords” (Revelation 19:16). He is not just another prophet or good teacher of morals. Jesus is also not just a “spiritual” part of our life, separate from other parts of our life. Jesus is Lord over all and worthy of our complete worship and devotion. We joyfully recognize his authority in every area of our lives. We willingly submit to Jesus as Lord over our words, actions, relationships, coaching, everyday decisions, goals for the future, etc. 

Jesus, the eternal Son of God, stepped into time and space as a man. He came to this world to serve our deepest need, humbling himself and sacrificing his life on the cross to save sinful human beings. “Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:9-11).

To know Jesus is to declare that he is Lord—with our voices and our lives. May we give our full allegiance to Jesus as Lord, glorifying God in how we live and coach for him.

For reflection: Praise Jesus that he is Lord. Praise him because he rules over all. Pray that you would respond to Christ with undivided worship and devotion.