ANSWER:
To fully grasp what Jesus meant by this statement, we need to consider the context in which He spoke. In Luke 6:39–40 (ESV), Jesus says:
“He also told them a parable: ‘Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.'”
Jesus uses a vivid parable to illustrate a profound truth about leadership and discipleship. He begins with a rhetorical question: Can a blind person guide another blind person? Clearly, the answer is no. Both will fall into the same pit. The principle He introduces next builds on that image: “A disciple is not above his teacher.”
In other words, no student surpasses the level of his instructor. A disciple will only become like the one he follows—not greater. If the teacher is ignorant, unwise, or spiritually blind, the student will inherit those same deficiencies. Conversely, if the teacher is wise and spiritually mature, the student has the potential to attain that same level of maturity—but not more. As Jesus says, “everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.”
This teaching has significant implications for the Church today. If a pastor or spiritual leader teaches false doctrines or lives in ungodliness, those under his guidance are unlikely to walk in truth or holiness. The spiritual condition of a congregation will almost always mirror the condition of its leadership.
Therefore, Jesus’ statement is a warning: Be careful whom you choose to follow. Your spiritual health is tied to the example and teaching of those you allow to lead you.
If our leaders do not teach repentance, holiness, and obedience to God, then we, too, will likely live compromised lives. If they are worldly, so will we be. And if they are leading people away from the truth, we risk falling into the same eternal ruin. As Jesus puts it: “Will they not both fall into a pit?” (Luke 6:39)
Jesus reinforces this idea elsewhere. In Matthew 10:24–25 (ESV), He says:
“A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household.”
Here, Jesus is preparing His disciples for the cost of following Him. If the world insulted and persecuted Christ—calling Him demonic—then His disciples should expect no better treatment. If we claim to be His followers but are constantly praised by the world, we must examine whether we are truly walking in His footsteps.
Elsewhere, Jesus offers another powerful example of what it means to follow Him. In John 13:14–17 (ESV), after washing the feet of His disciples, He says:
“If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.”
This passage shows us that discipleship is not about gaining power or prominence—it’s about humility, servanthood, and imitating the character of Christ. The true path of a disciple is to walk as Christ walked. Where He was honored, we may be honored. Where He was hated, we too may be hated. Where He humbled Himself, we must do the same.
Reflection Question:
Who is leading you? Who is your teacher or spiritual guide? Are they pointing you to Christ, to holiness, to truth—or to the world, compromise, and error?
Let us be wise in choosing whom to follow, because we will become like them. As Paul said in 1 Corinthians 11:1 (ESV):
“Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.”
Final Thought:
If we are truly disciples of Jesus Christ, our lives will increasingly resemble His. We will be conformed to His image—not above Him, but like Him in love, humility, obedience, and even suffering. May we choose leaders and examples who lead us toward Christ, not away from Him.
The Lord bless you.