Pull it with the push rod. Then put the rod in a vice close with the master cylinder close to the vice and pry it off the rod. There is a rubber grommet around the rod to keep it in place.
I've done it both ways but it is far easier to pull up on the brake pedal from inside the car. This pops the grommet right out of the MC bore. I think I had to remove the brake light switch first to allow the pedal to come up.
