Sometimes, I think a good practice when studying a section of Scripture is to start with a determination of what the verses are NOT saying. Put another way, compare a text that seems to be “awry” when you look at it individually with the teaching coming from the Bible in its entirety. This will be important as we examine this parable. Let’s dig in and find out what lesson Jesus IS teaching His disciples, those of yesteryear and us today.

Chris Adomanis

[Luke 17:7-10]

“Will any one of you who has a servant plowing or keeping sheep say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come at once and recline at table’? 8 Will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare supper for me, and dress properly, and serve me while I eat and drink, and afterward you will eat and drink’? 9 Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded? 10 So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’”

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ Who is Jesus speaking to when he gives this parable (Luke 17:1)? Do you think there is any reason(s) Jesus chose the jobs of plowing fields and tending sheep in this parable? How about the phrase “recline at the table”? (Read Psalm 23)

+ Is the Master “right” when he demands the servant who has been working all day to continue to work by fixing his meal? Why or why not?

+ Is verse 9 saying masters should NEVER thank their servants? If not, what is this verse saying?

+ I don’t think the adjective “unworthy” is the best choice in describing the servants in this parable. Based upon your reading, what word would you use?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ The purpose of this parable is NOT to show how God as the Master thinks or feels about those who placed their faith in His Son Jesus as the servants. I believe Jesus is teaching what kind of attitude should be found in those who call themselves His disciples. Have you ever felt like God “owed” you something, for either a good deed you did or for the “general” good way you live your life? If so, I think you need to take this parable to heart!!! Father, forgive us for thinking more highly of ourselves than we ought (Romans 12:3). We don’t deserve ANYTHING from you but righteous judgment. Yet you offer grace and mercy to us who, by our very nature, are at enmity with You (Romans 5:8). May the truth of the wonderful news of the Gospel of Jesus wash over us and spur us to serve You as undeserving, but EXTREMELY thankful servants. Amen

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?