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Luke 6:40

⁴⁰"A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher."

This saying was the understanding of most rabbis and disciples of the first century. The goal of every disciple was to be as much like his teacher as possible, but with the understanding that the disciple would not surpass the teacher. The disciples of that day would each follow his rabbi everywhere, memorizing the blessings he spoke and the prayers he prayed. They would each learn his response to certain questions and imitate his life in every way while serving him.

However, if the teacher is ignorant of spiritual truth, his followers will be as well. If the teacher has blind spots or prejudices, he will most likely pass them on to his followers. They will be like their teachers. That is why we should make every effort to see our own shortcomings and ask for God to help us to change.

This saying is most applicable to the followers of Jesus. He has no blind spots. He has no lack of spiritual insight. We will never surpass Him, but we can, by the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, be like Him. We must do as those disciples of that age did. We must spend time with Him. Let us learn His response to situations. Let us memorize His words. But most of all, let us follow the way He looked to the Father for direction at all times. Let us learn from Him how to walk through this life in a way that constantly brings glory to God.

Consider: "If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him" (John 12:26).