Jesus Christ Is LORD

"What does it mean that Jesus is Lord?"

Generally speaking, a lord is someone with authority, control, or power over others; to say that someone is “lord” is to consider that person a master or ruler of some kind. In Jesus’ day, the word lord was often used as a title of respect toward earthly authorities; when the leper called Jesus “Lord” in Matthew 8:2, he was showing Jesus respect as a healer and teacher (see also Matthew 8:25 and 15:25). So can refer to "Lord" when speaking of the idol Baal? 
NO! Baal is a small "L" lord, as in a master or ruler whom the idolatrous people subject themselves to. 



While “LORD” (Yahweh) of the Hebrew Bible is equated with the “Lord Jesus” by the apostles. The statement “Jesus is Lord” means that Jesus is God. 

Jesus has “all authority in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18). 
He is Lord of the Sabbath (Luke 6:5). 
He is “our only Sovereign and Lord” (Jude 1:4). 
He is, in fact, the Lord of lords (Revelation 17:14).
 
However, after the resurrection, the title “Lord,” as applied to Jesus, became much more than a title of honor or respect. Saying, “Jesus is Lord,” became a way of declaring Jesus’ deity. It began with Thomas’ exclamation when Jesus appeared to the disciples after His resurrection: “Thomas said to him, ‘My Lord and my God!’” (John 20:28). 
From then on, the apostles’ message was that Jesus is Lord, meaning “Jesus is God.” Peter’s sermon on the Day of Pentecost contained that theme: “Let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah” (Acts 2:36). Later, in Cornelius’s house, Peter declared that Jesus is “Lord of all” (Acts 10:36). Note how in Romans 10:9 Jesus’ lordship is linked to His resurrection: “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Jesus referred to Himself as “Lord” many times (e.g., Luke 19:31; John 13:13). And when we compare the Old Testament with the New, we find several times when the “LORD” (Yahweh) of the Hebrew Bible is equated with the “Lord Jesus” by the apostles. For example, Psalm 34:8 says, “Taste and see that the LORD is good,” and that passage is alluded to in 1 Peter 2:3, except there Jesus is the “Lord” who is good. Isaiah 8:13 says that “the LORD Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy”; in 1 Peter 3:15 we are commanded, “In your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy” (ESV).

Amazingly, the Lord Jesus left His exalted position in heaven and came to earth to save us. In His Incarnation, He showed us what true meekness looks like (see Matthew 11:29). Just before His arrest, Jesus used His power and authority to teach us humility: “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet” (John 13:14). The last will be first, according to our Lord (Matthew 19:30).

In saying, “Jesus is Lord,” we commit ourselves to obey Him. Jesus asked, “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46). An acknowledgment of Jesus’ lordship is logically accompanied by a submission to Jesus’ authority. If Jesus is Lord, then He owns us; He has the right to tell us what to do.

A person who says, “Jesus is Lord,” with a full understanding of what that means (Jesus is God and has supreme authority over all things) has been divinely enlightened: “No one can say, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ except by the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:3). Faith in the Lord Jesus is required for salvation (Acts 16:31).

Jesus is Lord. It’s the truth, whether or not people acknowledge the fact. He is more than the Messiah, more than the Savior; He is the Lord of all. Someday, all will submit to that truth: “God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:9–11).

What Does the Greek Word Kurios (Lord) Mean?

When referring to the true God, the New Testament sometimes uses the Greek word kurios translated as "Lord." It is important that we have a correct understanding of the word because it is often misunderstood.

It Does Not Always Refer To God

The thought behind the word kurios is supremacy and authority. Kurios is used a number of different ways in the New Testament.

The Word Can Mean Sir

Sometimes the word is merely a polite title meaning, "Sir."

"Sir," [kurios] they said, "We remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, 'After three days I will rise again.' " (Matthew 27:63).

It Also Means Master Or Owner

In some contexts, it has the idea of a title such as, "Master," or "Owner."

A disciple is not above the teacher, nor a slave above the master [kurios] (Matthew 10:24).

Kurios Can Refer To Husbands

Even husbands are called by the word kurios.

Thus Sarah obeyed Abraham and called him master [kurios] (1 Peter 3:6).

The Word Was Used Of Idols

Paul uses the plural of kurios to refer to idols.

Indeed, even though there may be so-called gods [kurios] in heaven or on earth-as in fact there are many gods and many lords (1 Corinthians 8:5).

It Can Also Mean The LORD (Yahweh Or Jehovah)

There are many times, however, that kurios is equivalent to the divine name Yahweh, or Jehovah.

But Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord (Acts 15:40).

Jesus Is Addressed As Both Human And Divine

We find Jesus being addressed by the human and divine usages of kurios. The polite form of kurios meaning, "Sir," is used. In John's gospel Jesus met a woman at a well in Samaria. She addressed Him as kurios (sir).

The woman said to him, "Sir (kurios), you have no bucket, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? (John 4:11).

There are other times when kurios speaks of Jesus' full Deity as God the Son.

So that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:10,11).

Paul wrote to the Romans.

That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved (Romans 10:9).

Divine And Human Usage In The Same Verse

We find both uses of kurios in the same verse.

Slaves, obey your earthly masters {kurios] in everything, not only while being watched and in order to please them, but wholeheartedly, fearing the Lord [kurios] (Colossians 3:22).

Summary

The Greek word kurios has a number of different meanings. It can mean sir, master, owner, or even refer to an idol. However on a number of occasions it is the Greek equivalent to the Hebrew word Yahweh or Jehovah. This is the divine name for God. Jesus Christ is designated as the Lord in many New Testament references. This is the consistent truth of Scripture - Jesus is Yahweh or Jehovah.

Other Links

What does it mean that Jesus is Lord?
https://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-is-Lord.html

29 Bible Verses about Christ Is Lord

https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Christ-Is-Lord

What Does the Greek Word Kurios (Lord) Mean?
https://www.blueletterbible.org/faq/don_stewart/don_stewart_1307.cfm