A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.
Luke 6:40 (ESV)
In Jesus’ day, a rabbi (teacher) would take on disciples to train them. The disciples would follow their rabbi wherever he went and learn what he had to teach them. The ultimate goal of a disciple was to become a rabbi themselves, to become like their rabbi.
While the proverb Jesus quotes here has general application, He is specifically directing it toward His disciples. Not just the twelve, but all who would follow him. When I came to faith, I was called to discipleship. To take up my cross and follow where Jesus leads. And to learn what He has to teach me.
The goal is Christlikeness, to become like Him. We will never achieve divinity. But we can strive to follow the example He set for us.
- To love others, including our enemies.
- To forgive those who have hurt us.
- To show mercy to those who need it.
- To care for the poor and hurting.
- To incorporate His teachings into our lives.
- And seek to do the will of our heavenly Father.
I am His disciple. He is my Lord. As I seek to be like Him, I need to follow wherever He leads, even when the way is hard. And do whatever He instructs, even when it is contrary to my own desires. Only when I faithfully follow and learn from Him can I become like Him.
