Luke 6:40
A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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It's easy to read "everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher" as just a statement about becoming proficient. But the Greek word used for "fully trained" carries a powerful sense of being mended, restored, or made complete. This implies that true discipleship isn't just about learning skills, but about being spiritually put back together by following Jesus, becoming like Him in the process.
Jesus has just delivered a powerful teaching on judging others, warning against hypocrisy and self-righteousness, urging compassion and forgiveness. He then transitions to the necessary qualities of his followers, emphasizing that true discipleship means learning from and becoming like their teacher. This proverb highlights that a disciple’s ultimate goal is to be fully trained and thus resemble Jesus, even if that means facing the same opposition and difficulties he did.
Ever feel like you're just not 'getting it' as a follower of Jesus? This verse offers a surprising perspective on what it truly means to be a disciple.
Jesus is teaching us about the goal of discipleship. It's not about outsmarting or outdoing our Teacher, who is Jesus Himself.
It's About Reflection:
The verse says, 'A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.' This isn't about reaching a level beyond Jesus. It's about becoming a faithful reflection of Him.
Think of it like an apprentice artist. They learn from the master, practice the master's techniques, and the highest compliment is when their work resembles the master's style. The goal isn't for the apprentice to be better than the master, but to become skilled like the master.
Fully Trained, Fully Like Him:
The key phrase here is 'fully trained' or 'perfected.' This speaks to a process of growth and learning. When we are thoroughly discipled – when we've absorbed the teachings and practiced the ways of Jesus – our ultimate aim and outcome should be to look and act like Him.
Following Jesus isn't always easy. This verse, when read in its context, reminds us that our struggles are not unique, but shared with our Master.
When Jesus speaks this proverb, He's often doing so in the context of warning His followers about the difficulties they will face. As the commentary notes, disciples shouldn't expect to fare better than their teacher.
Hardship is Part of the Training:
If Jesus, our Teacher, faced rejection, opposition, and even mockery (like being called Beelzebub, as mentioned in the context), then it's unreasonable for us, His disciples, to expect a smoother path. The training process involves sharing in His sufferings.
A Reason Not to Despair:
Understand the original words
mathētēs · Greek Noun
A student, learner, or apprentice of a master. In the New Testament, it signifies one who adheres to the teachings and life of Jesus Christ, actively imitating His ways.
didaskalos · Greek Noun
One who instructs or provides doctrine. In the New Testament, it refers to Christ or those authorized by Him to explain the will of God and lead others in the truth.
katērtismenos · Greek Verb (Participle)
To be perfected, equipped, or brought to a state of completion. It implies the process of being fully instructed and prepared to reach the maturity of one's master.
This proverb reminds disciples that their training under Jesus is meant to shape them into His likeness, and that they should expect to endure the same hardships and opposition He faced, rather than surpass Him in status or comfort.
Early 1st century AD— this verse
Jesus Chooses the Twelve Apostles
Jesus spent a night in prayer before selecting His twelve apostles. This verse is part of a larger discourse given around this time, instructing these chosen leaders on their mission and the challenges they would face.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus' Ministry in Galilee
Jesus' teachings, including the Sermon on the Plain (recorded in Luke 6), were delivered during His public ministry in Galilee. This was a time of growing crowds and increasing opposition from religious authorities.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
The culmination of Jesus' earthly ministry, His death and resurrection, formed the core message the apostles would later preach. The challenges and suffering foretold in Jesus' teachings would become a reality for them.
c. AD 33-60
Early Spread of the Gospel
Following Jesus' ascension, the apostles began spreading the gospel throughout Judea and beyond. They faced persecution and opposition, echoing Jesus' warnings.
This passage directly echoes the sentiment of Luke 6:40, emphasizing that a disciple is not above their teacher and a servant is not above their lord, setting a precedent for the expected humility and shared experience between Jesus and his followers.
John 15:20Jesus reminds his disciples that they cannot expect better treatment than he received ('Remember my words that I said to you...'). This reinforces the idea in Luke 6:40 that the disciple's experience will ultimately mirror that of their teacher.
1 Corinthians 1:10This passage calls believers to be perfectly joined together in the same mind and the same judgment, drawing a parallel to the idea of being 'perfected' or 'fully trained' like one's teacher as mentioned in Luke 6:40.
Hebrews 12:3The author of Hebrews urges readers to consider Jesus, who endured such opposition from sinners, so that they may not grow weary and fainthearted. This highlights the shared struggle and ultimate resemblance between the disciple and their teacher in facing hardship.
Galatians 6:1This verse speaks of restoring someone caught in a sin, using the word 'perfected' or 'restored.' This connects to Luke 6:40's idea of being fully trained or perfected, implying that the goal of discipleship is to be shaped and restored into the likeness of the Master.
calvinLuke 6:40: "The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master."
- And the brother will deliver up the brother to death, and the father the son, and the children will rise up against the parents, and will put them to death. 22. And you will be hated by all on account of my name: but he who shall endure to the end [588] will be saved. 23. And when they shall persecute you in this city, flee into another: for verily I say unto you, You will not have gone…
calvinLuke 6:37-42: "Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:"
- Judge not, that you may not be judged. 2. For with what judgment you judge you shall be judged, and with what measure you measure, it shall be measured to you again. 3. And why seest thou the straw, which is in thy brother's eye, and perceivest not the beam which is in thine eye? 4. Or how shall thou say to thy brother, Allow me to pull the straw out of thine…
It's easy to read "everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher" as just a statement about becoming proficient. But the Greek word used for "fully trained" carries a powerful sense of being mended, restored, or made complete. This implies that true discipleship isn't just about learning skills, but about being spiritually put back together by following Jesus, becoming like Him in the process.
Jesus has just delivered a powerful teaching on judging others, warning against hypocrisy and self-righteousness, urging compassion and forgiveness. He then transitions to the necessary qualities of his followers, emphasizing that true discipleship means learning from and becoming like their teacher. This proverb highlights that a disciple’s ultimate goal is to be fully trained and thus resemble Jesus, even if that means facing the same opposition and difficulties he did.
Jesus has just delivered a powerful teaching on judging others, warning against hypocrisy and self-righteousness, urging compassion and forgiveness. He then transitions to the necessary qualities of his followers, emphasizing that true discipleship means learning from and becoming like their teacher. This proverb highlights that a disciple’s ultimate goal is to be fully trained and thus resemble Jesus, even if that means facing the same opposition and difficulties he did.
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Knowing that our Teacher went through these trials Himself provides a powerful comfort. It means our struggles are not a sign that we've failed or that God has abandoned us. Instead, they are a sign that we are truly following His path, being trained in His school, and are becoming like Him, even in hardship.
c. AD 60-62
Luke Writes His Gospel
The Apostle Luke, a companion of Paul, compiled his Gospel, likely in Caesarea. He carefully researched events and teachings, including Jesus' discourse to the apostles, aiming to provide an orderly account for his readers.
"A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher." — It's easy to read "everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher" as just a statement about becoming proficient. But the Greek word used for "fully trained" carries a powerful sense of b…
