PARABLE OF THE HUMBLE SERVANT: LUKE 17:7-10

Context

The context may be the preceding discourse – Jesus tells his followers they can do great things – but then warns them in this parable not to fall into a prideful attitude. (Trench) 

It may have been prompted by v. 5. (Craddock) 

After the apostles have done great things through faith, there is the danger they may become self-satisfied and may think themselves entitled to special marks of honor. (New International Commentary on the NT) 

The attack is on the attitude of the Pharisees (which may have rubbed off on the apostles) that they had earned favor from God by their deeds. (New International Commentary on the Greek NT)  

Ellis: The audience here is the disciples.

Situation

“The context is the cold, impersonal relationship of the ancient world in which a slave was expected to obey whatever this master told him to do.” (Kistemaker) 

Some rabbis required the slave to be fed first although this was not the general custom. (New Century Bible Commentary) 

The situation is a small farmer with only one servant who has to do all the chores. (Fitzmyer)

Only One-Half of the Picture

“This picture of God as the all-demanding Taskmaster is much less attractive than the picture of God as the Father in the story of the Prodigal Son. Yet it is a useful corrective to much slushy sentimentalism, which tends to overlook the rigorous demands of God altogether.” (Difficult Sayings) 

The opposite side of master-servant relationship is shown in Luke 12:35-37 where the master actually serves his servant. (Difficult Sayings) 

Contrast 12:35-37 where it states that God will reward the faithful. (New International Greek Testament Commentary) 

Trench says that the best compromise is: God can and should act this way toward us, but he doesn't. Nonetheless we should never forget that he is the master. 

Lesson 

He is not teaching salvation by works. “Instead He is giving a necessary lesson to all who are tempted to feel proud of their 'work of faith' (I Thessalonians 1:3) for God.” (New Bible Commentary) 

This parable may deal with the attitude which says, "We have done our bit. Where is our reward or when can we rest?" I attended one church where an older deacon (younger than I am now) told me that he wasn't going to serve in the church anymore. He had already done enough and it was time for the younger generation to step up to the plate.

Jesus wants his disciples to work in God's kingdom but not for the sake of rewards. God is never indebted to anyone. This parable was directed toward apostles who wanted favored treatment in heaven. God gives rewards out of grace and not because of merit. (Kistemaker) There is no ground for our boasting – see Romans 3:27. 

“No period of fulfilled duty beyond which merits begin to accumulate.” (Craddock) 

Nathan Soderblom --- “Only with God's good hand and strict bridle can the soul be helped to give its best.” 

This teaching is a corrective to our moods of self-pity and pride. (Difficult Sayings of the Bible)

Grotius – Since Jesus called this disciples friends rather than servants (Luke 12:37), it applies to the Jews and their relation to God, doing works for a reward but without love or faith. (Trench)

We can't transfer the application directly to employee-employer relationships. (Craddock) 

Verse 10: “Useless” doesn't seem to fit the context. Others prefer unworthy or miserable. (Fitzmyer) Unworthy = has nothing of which to boast. (NBC) Compare this parable with Jesus cursing the unproductive fig tree.