Together in Christ: 'Like Our Teacher!' — Luke 6:40

Thursday, May 9, 2024

[Then Jesus turned to his disciples and said,] "Students are not greater than their teacher. But the student who is fully trained will become like the teacher."

— Luke 6:40 NLT

Key Thought

What do you hope changes in your discipleship over the next ten years as a follower of Jesus?

Obviously, the question assumes the Lord will give you another ten years of life. Nevertheless, no matter how many more years we have on this small blue planet, our answer to this important question should be the same: "I want to be more like Jesus then than I am today!"

Our goal as students and disciples of Jesus is to become like our Teacher. The Holy Spirit is transforming us into the likeness of Jesus. [1] This was also Paul's stated mission as he worked to mature the people he served. [2] As we mature in Christ, we become more and more like Him! Because we make it our aim in life to please our Lord, [3] we choose to be led by the Spirit into becoming like our Lord, Master, and Teacher.

A decade ago or so, many of us wore "W.W.J.D." bracelets. [4] We wanted to remind ourselves and each other to live as Jesus did. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit inspired Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John [5] to write their nuanced accounts of Jesus' life to tell us what Jesus did. These four gospels help us know what He taught, how He treated people, and how He deepened His relationship with the Father. (Also see our daily devotional, "What Jesus Did!" [6]) The more we become like Him, the more we will please the Father, impact the world, and live by the power of the Holy Spirit — live a righteous lifestyle and be supportive and forgiving in our relationships.

[1] 2 Corinthians 3:17-18.
[2] Colossians 1:28-29; 1 Corinthians 11:1; Ephesians 4:32, 5:1-2; Philippians 3:17, 4:9.
[3] 2 Corinthians 5:9.
[4] This abbreviation stands for "What Would Jesus Do?" See bracelet image.
[5] These first four "books" of the New Testament are called gospels and are the Good News stories of Jesus.
[6] Near the bottom of the devotional web page, you can enter your address to receive the devotionals each day by email without charge .

Today's Prayer

Father, forgive us for claiming to follow Jesus yet knowing so little about His life, obeying so few of His teachings, and claiming we speak for Him when we know very little of His story. Thank You for leaving us so much of His life's story and teachings in the four gospels so that we can know Him. Please, Holy Spirit, have Jesus come alive for us as we sit at His feet and learn from Him and His story. As we reflect Jesus more fully to those around us, we trust that the Spirit will transform us to be like Him more completely. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • 2 Corinthians 3:17-18; Galatians 5:22-23
  • Colossians 1:28-29, 2:12, 3:1-4

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 6:40 NLT — [Then Jesus turned to his disciples and said,] "Students are not greater than their teacher. But the student who is fully trained will become like the teacher."

About This Devotional

Together in Christ is a daily devotional that focuses on what Scripture teaches about godly living in relationships.

'Together in Christ' is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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