Jesus descended from a mountain top where He selected the twelve, “whom also he named apostles” (Luke 6:13). Having arrived in the plain, our Lord was met by a great multitude of people out of all Judaea, Jerusalem, and the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon. They were there to hear and for healing; “which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases” (vs.17). Having spoken to them on a multitude of subjects, in verse 39-49, He enlightened them to at least five basic principles of fruitfulness. We have already addressed the first of five, “Progress is dictated by your partner.” At this time, I want to enumerate on the second of the five.
Promotion Is Determined By Your Professor
“The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master.” Luke 6:40
In the first principle, our Lord dealt with progress or the idea of forward motion. In this principle, He dealt with promotion or that which can be attained through the dedication of one’s self to a task. The Apostle Paul’s dedication to a task can be seen in Philippians 3:13-14, “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” What is it that you desire to accomplish, or be recognized for achieving? While the future goal begins with an eager desire, it must be followed by enlightened and elevated directions; every athlete needs a coach, every violinist needs a tutor, and every pupil needs a professor!
Liken unto the first principle, there are certain areas in which we are given no choice. Yet, there are times and situations in which we will be held accountable for the fountain from which we draw enlightenment and education. Knowledgeable of this great truth, let us chose our professor wisely! The text falls into two natural divisions that are worthy of our consideration.
The Superiority of Promotion – “above his master”
Within the context of the text there is a “disciple”, a learner or a pupil, one that learns in any way, and there is a “master”, an instructor or one that teaches. The learner has chosen to set under the instructor for the purpose of receiving a quality of enlightenment that will lift the student from their present state, promoting them to a desired destination or goal. The disciple’s choice of master is critical; for the master can’t dispense to the disciple a greater volume of enlightenment than the master’s personal capacity of enlightenment! The word “not” is an absolute negative. With respect to promotion, the student will never rise above, go beyond, become superior to, or assume a dominate place over the source of their enlightenment or education.
While you may never reach the summit of your expectations, you will never supersede the heights attained by the one you chose to lead your expedition! It is admirable to possess lofty desires so long as one understands that aspiration and achievement are not one in the same! Find a master that supersedes your dreams; allow them to become the fountain from which you draw the rays of enlightenment and the riches of education and you will be assured of not falling short of your desires.
The Similarities of Promotion – “as his master”
Having warned about superiority, our Lord warns about similarities. Please notice a couple of words. The phrase “shall be” means will be or what will follow, and it comes from a word that is future for I exist. The word “as” means in that manner or according as it has been. The truth that is being set forth is quite simple; when the process of enlightenment and education is complete, the pulpit has become a replica of the teacher! There are the similarities of accomplishments. Your master is not only limited as to the distance he can take you, but the destination he can take you. Masters that have accomplished a secular goal, no matter how impressive, can’t assure success with respect to spiritual goals; it is not their area of expertise. You must not only have a master that can go the distance, but get you to the destination. When it comes to the choice of a master, there are the similarities of attitude. If the educational process works the way it is designed to work, the opinions of the master are mimicked by the student! Make sure as a student; that you like the character and nature of your master for that is what you are destined to become! The master, disciple relationship is one of reproduction!
Pause for a moment and give some consideration as to the master you have chosen for enlightenment and education. Can you achieve your desired goals under their leadership? Secondly, do you want to become who and what they are? When it comes to the master disciple relationship; it is necessary that you chose wisely!