What does Luke 6:40 mean?

Explanation

Luke 6:40 is a verse from the Christian New Testament where Jesus Christ is conveying a principle of discipleship to his followers.

Literally, the verse underscores the relationship between a teacher (master) and a student (disciple), stating that a disciple is not deemed superior to their teacher.

It implies that the endpoint of a disciple's learning process is to become as knowledgeable, virtuous, or skilled as the teacher, but not to surpass them.

On a deeper level, the verse can be seen as Jesus teaching about the ultimate goal of spiritual formation, which is to become as Christ-like as possible, given that he is the master of all Christians.

The phrase "every one that is perfect" suggests the completion or maturity of the disciple after dedicated learning and growth.

Historical Context

This verse can be found in the Gospel of Luke, which was written around AD 80-110.

Luke's gospel is believed to have been written by Luke the physician, a companion of the Apostle Paul.

This text originated in a context of a largely agrarian and teacher-student society, where rabbis (Jewish teachers) were highly respected and their disciples were expected to follow and learn from them closely.

Followers would seek to emulate their teacher's understanding of the Scriptures, behavior, and adherence to the law.

Within this framework, Jesus was teaching a crowd, including his disciples, about the nature of their relationship to him, their teacher, and ultimately to God.

Theological Insights

Luke 6:40 offers a window into the core of Christian discipleship.

Theologically, it conveys that Jesus, as the master, sets the standard for Christian behavior and belief.

From a conservative theological perspective, the phrase "every one that is perfect" could be argued to refer to those who have been spiritually matured and sanctified through the influence of the Holy Spirit and adherence to the teachings of Jesus.

A liberal theological interpretation might stress the ongoing and aspirational nature of perfection, seeing it as an ideal to strive for rather than an achievable state.

Some theologians focus on the imitatio Christi (the imitation of Christ) as an essential part of Christian living, which is akin to the sentiment expressed in this verse.

Practical Applications

Practically, Luke 6:40 can encourage believers to constantly assess their spiritual growth in relation to the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

It promotes humility among disciples, suggesting that they should not seek to outshine their master but to embody and reflect his teachings.

In daily life, this can translate to seeking wisdom and guidance from mentors, spiritual leaders, or scripture, with the aim of internalizing and living out these learned values and not for the sake of surpassing the mentor or teacher themselves.

Cross-References

• Matthew 10:24 - “The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord.”
• John 13:16 - “Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.”
• John 15:20 - “Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord.

If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.”

Language Study

In the original Greek language of the New Testament, "disciple" is translated from "μαθητής" (mathētēs), meaning a learner or follower.

The term "master" translates from "διδάσκαλος" (didaskalos), referring to a teacher or instructor.

Finally, the word "perfect" comes from "καταρτισμός" (katartismos), meaning fitted, complete, or perfect, in the sense of being fully trained or equipped.

A detailed linguistic analysis of these words underlines the verse's emphasis on the process of being thoroughly equipped or completed through following and emulating one's teacher.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparatively, the teacher-student dynamic found in Luke 6:40 resonates across many other cultural and religious systems.

In Hinduism and Buddhism, the relationship between a guru and disciple is highly valued, with an understanding that the disciple aspires to learn from the wisdom and spiritual insights of the guru.

In ancient Greek philosophy, it was common for philosophers to have schools of thought with students who sought to learn and perpetuate their teachings, echoed in the relationships between Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives on this verse might engage with psychology, particularly the field of social learning theory, which recognizes the influence of observing and modeling the behaviors, attitudes, and emotional reactions of others.

Neuroscientific studies on brain plasticity and learning could also provide insight into how repeated exposure to a master's teachings and examples can lead to internalization and habit formation in the student or disciple.

Commentaries

Commentators on the Bible have long discussed this verse within the framework of discipleship and the imitation of Christ.

Matthew Henry's Commentary emphasizes that true disciples of Christ will, by his grace, be brought to follow him and be like him.

The Pulpit Commentary notes the relationship between the Christian disciple and their teacher, Jesus, demands a humbling and sincere effort to become like the master, not surpassing Him.

Both traditional and contemporary commentaries unite on the verse's message of aspiration towards Christ-likeness as the ultimate goal of the Christian disciple.