Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Luke 6:40

"The disciple is not above his teacher: but every one when he is perfected shall be as his teacher." — Luke 6:40 (ASV)

Assuming that v.39 and v.40 belong together, Jesus’ thought in addressing the disciples runs like this: The disciple of a rabbi dedicates himself to his master’s teachings and way of life. Thus he cannot be expected to be different from, or better than, his master. If the rabbi lacks a proper view of life, his student will also be misled. The criticism and hostility already apparent in the Pharisees (cf. 6:11) may unfortunately crop up in their disciples, but they must never find a place among Jesus’ disciples.