THE EXPECTED ATTITUDE OF GOD’S SERVANT (LUKE 17:7-10)

Dear Members in Christ,

The Expected attitude of God’s Servant (Luke 17:7-10)

The parable of the loyal servant in Luke 17 teaches us about the attitude of a true servant of God.

We often read that the writers of epistles refer to themselves as a “servant¹ of God”, or a “servant of the Lord Jesus Christ.” The word “servant” in the language of the text is, “doulos”, a word which means slave or bondman. The relationship between the master and servant in the biblical times requires the servant to be loyal and subservient to his master. The servant must serve with the master’s wishes and needs before thinking of his own comfort. 

“But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat?” Luke 17:7

The Lord Jesus taught the parable by speaking of a pastoral scene where the servant comes from the field. In this parable, the Lord Jesus poses a rhetorical question of whether a master would invite the servant returning from the field to rest and refresh himself? Certainly, it is a right proposition even today, as masters ought to be served by their servants. For example, we understand that the employee is hired to do the bidding (within lawful limits) of his employer. The hired assistant does the task assigned by his hirer before he gets some free time to himself.

However, the lesson for us from this parable is that the true servant of God must not expect to be pampered and appreciated. Instead, he must serve with an attitude of humility and duty, knowing the full and free salvation the Lord has given us.

A. Serving God is an expected duty

The parable continues with the Lord Jesus speaking about what is expected.

“And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink? Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not.” Luke 17:8,9

The plowing and taking care of livestock is hard work. But in the parable, the servant ought not to expect rest and refreshment from the Master for his labour. Instead, after a day of labour, the servant is further expected to serve the Master. Likewise, the parable teaches the disciples to think about service to the Lord before self. Furthermore, the servant who has done his duty does not expect to be thanked (see verse 9). The servant’s duty is to the Lord, and not to expect appreciation or reward.

Dearly beloved, when we serve the Lord Jesus, we must be ready to serve without expectation of appreciation or approval or reward. The Lord is our Master and we serve Him, and we look to Him to please Him only. We trust that God will justly reward good works and service, “For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.” (Matthew 16:27). Therefore, we serve loyally and faithfully as servants ought. 

B. The true servant puts service before self

God is gracious and rewards good works justly. However, the parable’s main thrust is that servant’s attitude should be “service to the Lord before self.” The truly loyal servant to his Lord will perform that which is beyond what his duty demands.

“So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.” Luke 17:10

The servant is expected to do his duty with humility. All the servant can say is that he is an “unprofitable servant” and expect no more. Remember, dearly beloved, our service is to the Lord, and our service is nothing compared to the salvation He has offered us. We are unprofitable servants because we are enabled to serve by God’s grace, and not on any merit of ourselves. Unprofitable also means unmeritorious – we can only give our best effort and depend on the Lord for grace and help.    

Brethren, the Lord has given His all for us and our labour for the Lord is our duty. No amount we do can match the fullness of grace and mercy that He has granted us. As Christians, God is our Master, our service to Him must be loyal in service and perform that which is beyond our duty. Dearly beloved, serve the Lord Jesus faithfully. Amen.  

Footnote 1 – The phrase “servant of the Lord”, or “servant of Jesus Christ” appears in Romans 1:1; Titus 1:1; James 1:1, Jude 1.     

In His Service,
Rev. Lim Seh Beng, Pastor