UASV’s Daily Devotional All Things Bible, Sunday, May 11, 2025

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Becoming Like the Teacher: A Devotional Meditation on Luke 6:40

The Transformational Call of Discipleship Under the Authority of Christ

“A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.” — Luke 6:40

Luke chapter 6 records what is commonly referred to as Jesus’ Sermon on the Plain, a parallel to the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5–7. In this sermon, Jesus addresses His disciples and the crowds with a series of teachings about humility, mercy, love for enemies, judging others, and living with integrity. At the center of this profound instruction comes an essential principle of discipleship: the disciple is not above his teacher, but the goal of discipleship is to become like the teacher.

Luke 6:40 reveals the heart of Jesus’ understanding of what it means to follow Him. Discipleship is not merely about acquiring knowledge, attending religious events, or outward conformity to rituals. It is about being personally transformed by close, continual relationship with the teacher, leading to a life that reflects His character and values.

In a religious culture often satisfied with external forms and appearances, Jesus calls for something far deeper: a life of imitation grounded in submission. Let us now examine this verse phrase by phrase, drawing out the depth of what it means to be a true disciple of Christ and how it applies to every believer seeking to live under His Lordship.

“A disciple is not above his teacher…”

The term “disciple” (Greek: μαθητής, mathētēs) means learner, pupil, or follower. In the context of first-century Judaism, a disciple was someone who attached himself to a rabbi or master teacher for the purpose of learning not only doctrine, but also the way of life, conduct, and practice. The relationship was one of commitment and imitation.

Jesus begins with a statement of order and humility: “A disciple is not above his teacher.” The Greek preposition ὑπέρ (hyper) indicates superiority or rank. The disciple does not stand in judgment over the teacher. He does not critique or alter the master’s instruction. He submits, learns, and seeks to follow faithfully.

For the believer, this first statement functions as a warning against pride, autonomy, and self-reliance. No follower of Christ should assume that he has outgrown the instruction of the Lord. There are no self-made disciples. All growth, understanding, and sanctification come through yielding to the teaching and example of Christ.

This declaration also guards against the temptation of some to treat their own opinions, traditions, or philosophies as equal to—or above—the Word of Christ. True discipleship acknowledges Jesus as the supreme teacher, the final authority, and the perfect model. As Jesus said elsewhere, “You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am” (John 13:13).

“…but everyone when he is fully trained…”

Here Jesus shifts to the goal of discipleship. The phrase “when he is fully trained” (Greek: κατηρτισμένος, katērtismenos) refers to one who has been completely prepared, equipped, or perfected. The word comes from καταρτίζω (katartizō), meaning to mend, repair, or fully furnish for a purpose.

This term carries the image of:

A fisherman mending nets so they are ready for use (Matthew 4:21)
A craftsman finishing a vessel until it is fit for its intended function
A teacher patiently shaping the student until he is capable and mature

The process of being “fully trained” implies:

Time—Discipleship is not instant. It requires perseverance in study, obedience, and experience.
Correction—There is shaping, adjustment, and even discipline involved (Hebrews 12:11).
Purpose—The training is not arbitrary but directed toward a specific goal: to become like Christ.

This clause also teaches that spiritual maturity is not automatic for the believer. It does not come simply by association or intention but requires diligent, Spirit-empowered effort in study, prayer, fellowship, and submission to the Word.

“…will be like his teacher.”

The culmination of discipleship is likeness: to become like the teacher. The Greek verb ἔσται (estai) means “he will be” or “he shall become.” This is both a statement of certainty and of process.

For the Christian, the teacher is Christ Himself. The ultimate aim of every believer’s life is to be conformed to the image of the Son (Romans 8:29). This is the promise of sanctification:

In character: displaying the humility, compassion, righteousness, and faithfulness of Christ.
In conduct: obeying His commands, loving others sacrificially, serving without seeking praise.
In speech: speaking truth with love, blessing others, and offering words seasoned with grace.
In mindset: developing the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5), thinking on things that are true and noble (Philippians 4:8).

Jesus does not say the disciple will exceed the teacher or become independent of Him. He says the disciple, when fully trained, will reflect the master. That is the measure of true spiritual success—not how much knowledge one possesses, but how much of Christ’s character one displays.

This also serves as a caution: if a disciple models himself after a corrupt teacher, he too will become like that teacher (cf. Matthew 23:15). Therefore, Christ alone must remain the ultimate standard.

Broader Context: The Sermon on the Plain

This verse is placed in a larger context where Jesus teaches about love for enemies (vv.27–36), mercy (v.36), and non-judgmental attitudes (vv.37–42). Discipleship is not only about internal learning but about external transformation that affects how one relates to others.

Luke 6:40 prepares the hearer for Jesus’ next teaching: the parable of the blind leading the blind (v.39) and the warning to first remove the log from one’s own eye before helping another (v.42). The implication is clear: unless a disciple is first properly trained by Christ, he cannot guide others rightly.

Devotional Application: Are You Becoming Like Christ?

Are you submitted to Christ as Teacher?
Do you accept His Word as the final authority, or do you pick and choose what you will obey?
Are you actively pursuing full training?
Do you invest in study, prayer, fellowship, and the disciplines that lead to growth in Christlikeness?
Are you growing in the likeness of Christ?
Can others see evidence of His humility, patience, love, and truth in your life?
Are you wary of false teachers?
Do you evaluate teaching by the standard of Scripture, avoiding those who would lead you astray?

Conclusion: The Call to True Discipleship

Luke 6:40 is a short but piercing description of the true aim of the Christian life: to be fully trained by Christ so that we reflect Him to the world. This verse dispels all illusions of self-sufficiency, self-rule, or casual Christianity. The disciple must always remain beneath the authority of the Teacher, following closely, learning eagerly, and submitting fully.

As we walk with Him, study His Word, and rely on the Spirit, we are gradually shaped, equipped, and prepared for the day when we will bear the full likeness of the One who loved us and gave Himself for us.

Let us pray to be disciples who live under Christ’s lordship and increasingly display the character of our perfect Teacher.

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

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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).