Social media influencers are a big deal in today’s culture. These individuals have huge followings on their social media, and brands pay to have them promote their products on their channels. While this new method of advertising has been very successful, the influencers can’t force their followers to do what they say. They can only suggest; they have no authority to require obedience.

As Jesus traveled the land of Israel, Luke records that He began to draw significant crowds (v. 17). People came for various reasons: some to see miracles (v. 18), others for healing, and still others hoping Jesus would start a revolution to drive out the Romans. But Jesus wasn’t interested in status or numbers. He was interested in changing hearts, so He challenged His audience to obey Him!

In Luke 6, Jesus rebuked those who made a pretense of calling Him Lord but didn’t do what He said (v. 46). This hypocrisy is foolish. The Light of the world stood before people and taught them, but instead of obeying, they disputed Him. To press His point, He used an illustration of a builder who built his house on the solid foundation of rock (v. 48). This person is like one who does what Jesus says to do. The one who does not obey, is like a foolish person who built a house on sand. They lost everything—“it collapsed and its destruction was complete” (v. 49).

Jesus’ point is clear. He did not come to earth as an influencer. The Son of God came to earth with a message to be obeyed. It is common today to suggest that Jesus was a nice Jewish Rabbi. But we must not forget that He was also an authoritative Teacher. His words required obedience. His most important teaching? The “good news of the kingdom of God” (Luke 8:1).