A Lesson from "Downton Abbey"

“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?  As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like.  They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.” (Luke 6:46-49 NIV)

Like so many it seems, my wife and I are fans of the show, “Downton Abbey.”  The show, depicting the lives of the British aristocracy in the early 20th Century and those of their servants, is well known for its great characters, such as the Countess of Grantham, Lady Mary, Mr. Carson, and Mrs. Patmore.  

While to most Americans the idea of lords and servants is foreign, for most of history, and still today in parts of the world, these classes of people were the norm.  And so it was in the days of the Roman Empire. “Lord” and “servant” were common terms and well understood by the people.  Jesus used them frequently in his teachings and parables.  In the context of 1st Century Roman culture, these terms had precise meanings.  “Downton Abbey” surprisingly can help us understand more accurately what He meant.

Those living upstairs in Downton are the ones in charge and those living downstairs are their servants.  The authority upstairs is understood by both classes to be absolute.  The servants downstairs may not always like or agree with orders given, but there is no question they will be obeyed.  

So when Jesus asks the question, “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” it is likely He had a perplexing tone.  How can you give someone the title of “Lord” and not submit to the authority that comes with it?  It had become merely a title for many who claimed to be His disciples.  They called Him “Lord,” but did as they saw fit with their lives. Imagine if Mr. Bates, Lord Grantham’s servant, decided to do whatever he wanted rather than the Lord’s bidding.  It would be unthinkable to those in that era.

This is what we need to understand about calling Jesus, “Lord.”  It is more than a nice title.  When we confess Jesus as Lord (Romans 10:9-11), we are committing to serve Him and accept His authority over our lives.  We give up any right to control our lives or make decisions apart from His will. This is what it has always meant to be a servant to a lord.

Today, if you need to get a picture of what being a servant of Jesus means, watch “Downton Abbey.”  Though it is a fictional story, it shows clearly who is in charge and who serves.  It is an understanding we desperately need if we call Jesus our Lord.

© Jim Musser 2014