Luke 6:40 and the Theme of Likeness Education in the New Testament

What does Jesus mean when he says, "A disciple is not above his teacher, but each disciple, after being fully trained, will be like his teacher" (Luke 6:40)? This verse has been quoted, cited, and referenced in vast amounts of Christian education and discipleship literature. Nevertheless, the verse is nearly untouched in exegetical discussions with the exception of source-critical analyses. From this verse arises an undeveloped theme in the Gospel of Luke and the New Testament--the theme of likeness education. Using content analysis methodology, Luke 6:40--one of the keystone passages in Christian education literature--serves as the starting point for mining out the theme of likeness education in the New Testament. This study consists of three concentric areas of investigation: (1) Luke 6:40 and its immediate context, (2) Luke-Acts, and (3) the New Testament corpus.

"Jesus commissioned his church to make disciples of all nations. In this carefully researched work, Thomas Hudgins fleshes out the methods and goals to achieve this divinely ordained assignment. I am thankful for the heart and passion of Thomas. You will find them emerging from the pages of this work."
--Daniel L. Akin, President, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, North Carolina

"The ultimate destiny for disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ is the greatest privilege of being conformed to the image of God's Son. Thomas Hudgins leads the reader on an excellent study of what it means to be a true follower of our Lord and Savior."
--Dave Farnell, Professor of New Testament, The Master's Seminary, California

Thomas W. Hudgins is Assistant Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies at Capital Seminary and Graduate School.