The question was not addressed to those who faithfully obeyed and revered Him, nor was it addressed to those who were against Him. Likewise, the question was not addressed to those who simply ignored Him. Rather, the question was aimed at those who only professed obedience and reverence. It was directed toward those who said one thing, but did another. With their words they honored Christ, but with their deeds they disobeyed, dishonored, and displeased Him.
During His time on this earth, Jesus encountered many people whose religion was mere lip service. They said all the right things, but as the old expression goes, "saying it don't make it so."
On one occasion, Jesus sharply rebuked the scribes and the Pharisees for their all-talk, no-heart religion, saying, "These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me" (Matt 15:8). On another occasion, Jesus lambasted the same group for their all-talk, no-walk religion proclaiming, "Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do" (Matt. 23:3).
Today, a common response to such hollow words and lip service is the expression, "Talk is cheap." After all, how many people can build a house, plant a garden, or finish a race by just saying they are going to do so? Professing something verbally is one thing; actually doing it is another. Listen to what Paul said in his letter to Titus regarding those whose words were betrayed by their deeds. Paul said, "They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work" (Titus 1:16). Those are some pretty strong words; are they not?
In the verses following His question in Luke 6:46, Jesus underscores the importance of obedience by comparing those who hear His words and obey them to a man building a house who digs deep and lays its foundation on solid rock. In stark contrast, Jesus compares those who hear and disregard His words to a man who builds a house on the earth with no foundation. Jesus refers to such a builder as "foolish" in Matthew 7:26, and the implication is that those who fail to obey Christ are also foolish in their attempts to build a sturdy life without God.
Friends, talk is cheap. It costs us nothing, and that which costs us nothing is typically worth nothing! Likewise, a religion that is all-talk and costs us nothing--is worth nothing. Talk is cheap, and it is easy. Living up to the talk is the hard and costly part. It is not enough to express our faith verbally; we must demonstrate and prove it with our obedience!
Dear listeners, are you drawing near to the Lord, honoring Him with your lips and your obedience? Or is your mouth uttering insincere words as your heart drifts further away?