Unworthy Slaves

“Which of you, having a slave plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come immediately and sit down to eat’? But will he not say to him, ‘Prepare something for me to eat, and properly clothe yourself and serve me while I eat and drink; and afterward you may eat and drink’? He does not thank the slave because he did the things which were commanded, does he? So you too, when you do all the things which are commanded you, say, ‘We are unworthy slaves; we have done only that which we ought to have done.’” Luke 17:7-10


This one is difficult for me to relate to, being a "peon" myself and having never had servants. Jesus, however, spoke of the cultural realities of the time in which He ministered. There were well-to-do people among the crowd who gathered around Him, and they would have immediate understanding of this illustration. Notice, He did not condemn the ownership of slaves or the employment of servants. Those people had their jobs to do, and landowners had to have help tending their property.

His message here was about the attitude, not of the master, but of the servant. Yes, it was their job. They did not receive commendation for doing what was expected of them. The slave-masters should understand that concept, since it was their way of life. In my relationship with God, He is the Master. I am the servant. No matter my socio-economic status. There are things I am commanded, and expected, to do for the Kingdom of God. My job is to learn those expectations and do the best I can to fulfill my responsibilities, not anticipating thanks, but knowing it is the very least I could do for my Lord; my "reasonable service" (Romans 12:1).

God has His servants in every dispensation of history. They were Nation Israel, Priest nation to God. There were duties to be performed to prepare the way for their King. As a nation and as a religious system they failed in those duties, because of their unbelief and arrogance. They not only didn't teach God's Word, they distorted it, keeping His people in blindness. Ah, but proud they were, and expecting to be stroked. Now it is the Church with His Word to disseminate. We have nothing to boast about. Freely we have received. We must freely give. It is the very least we can do.