Jesus the Master

This morning I was studying Luke 5.1-11. While reading through some commentaries, I discovered that Luke 5.5 is one of the few verses in the New Testament (NT) that refers to Jesus as “Master.” Further study unveiled an interesting truth about Peter’s understanding of Jesus.

In Luke 5.5, Peter uses the Greek word epistates (Master) to refer to Jesus. This means an overseer or superintendent. He uses this same word in Luke 8.35 and 9.33. All three of these instances are pre-resurrection. However, in 2 Peter 2.1, which is post-resurrection, Peter uses despotes for Master. By using this word Peter is stating that Jesus is an owner who has purchased his children, as a master would purchase and own slaves.

There is only one explanation for change in Peter’s language. Only one reason why a bullheaded business owner would give up everything to serve Jesus as a slave serves his master. This one reason was the physical resurrection of Jesus. An incident so indescribably awe-inspiring that it caused Peter to change the very language he used to describe his Lord.

This pattern is seen throughout the entire NT. The word epistates is used each of the four times (Luke 5.5; 8.24, 45; 9.33, 49) Jesus is referred to as “Master” before his death, burial, and resurrection. However, every time (2 Timothy 2.21; 2 Peter 1.16-2.2; Jude 1.3-4) he is referred to as “Master” after his death, burial, and resurrection the word despotes is used.

We can learn a great lesson from the writers of the NT. They recognized that following Jesus meant complete devotion and surrender to him. When these men came to understand Jesus’ divine nature, their dedication was such that they changed the very language they used to refer to their Master. As these men were conscious to reflect their devotion to Jesus in every aspect of their lives, so should we. How? For a start, Paul gives some excellent advice in 2 Corinthians 10.4-6 when he writes, “take every thought captive to obey Christ.”