What is the meaning of Luke 6:40? A disciple “Disciple” simply means learner or follower. Jesus speaks to people who have willingly placed themselves under His instruction. They want to know His words and imitate His life. Similar moments fill the Gospels—think of Andrew and Peter leaving their nets (Luke 5:11) or Mary sitting at the Lord’s feet and listening to His teaching (Luke 10:39). A disciple: - Actively follows (John 8:31: “If you remain in My word, you are truly My disciples”). - Submits to authority (Luke 14:27: “Whoever does not carry his own cross and follow Me cannot be My disciple”). - Learns by relationship, not just by information (Mark 3:14, Jesus “appointed twelve to be with Him”). Is not above his teacher Every classroom has a hierarchy: the teacher instructs, the student receives. Jesus restates that obvious order to emphasize humility. Matthew 10:24 echoes, “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master.” The point: - Pride short-circuits growth (Proverbs 11:2). - Questioning is welcome; overturning the Teacher’s authority is not (John 13:13–16). - Even Jesus, the Son, modeled submission to the Father (John 5:19), showing that rightful authority is good. But everyone who is fully trained “Fully trained” pictures a complete apprenticeship—tools mastered, character formed. Paul uses similar language: Scripture “trains” believers “so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16–17). Keys to full training: - Consistent exposure to Scripture (Acts 2:42). - Obedience in everyday choices (Hebrews 5:14: “the mature… have their senses trained to distinguish good and evil”). - Mutual sharpening inside the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:12–13). Will be like his teacher The goal is likeness, not superiority. For the believer, the ultimate Teacher is Christ Himself. Scripture promises: - Romans 8:29: we are “predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son.” - 2 Corinthians 3:18: we “are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory.” - 1 John 2:6: “Whoever claims to abide in Him must walk as Jesus walked.” Likeness shows up in: - Character: love, holiness, humility. - Mission: seeking the lost (Luke 19:10). - Endurance: suffering faithfully (1 Peter 2:21). summary Luke 6:40 exposes both the limitation and the promise of discipleship. We never outrank our Teacher, so humility is essential. Yet when we submit to Christ’s ongoing training, He shapes us until our attitudes, words, and actions resemble His own. The verse is a gracious invitation: stay under the Master’s tutelage and watch Him reproduce His life in you. |
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