The Unworthy Servant

In Luke 17:7–10, Jesus tells His disciples a parable that doesn’t often get the same attention as some of His other stories. But it’s a powerful reminder about humility, faithfulness, and our place in God’s kingdom.

The Setting

Unlike many parables aimed at the Pharisees or other critics, this one is spoken to Jesus’ disciples—men who were eager to learn from Him.

At the start of Luke 17, Jesus warns them about temptation and the seriousness of causing others to stumble. Then, in verse 5, the apostles say to Him: “Increase our faith!”

Jesus responds first with the image of a mustard seed—tiny, yet capable of producing something great. Faith doesn’t have to start big to accomplish great things, but it must grow.

And then, instead of promising to “increase their faith” for them, Jesus tells a story about a servant and his master.

The Parable

“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’?

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’?

Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded? 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.’”(Luke 17:7–10)

Servants and Their Master

In the parable:

• The master represents God.

• The servant represents Christians—in this immediate context, the apostles themselves.

The servant’s obligation is simple: fulfill the master’s will before tending to his own needs. The master’s priorities come first. That’s the natural, expected relationship between a servant and a master.

In the same way, God’s will must come before our own. We may care for our needs, but always within the boundaries and timing He sets.

God as the Perfect Master

In Jesus’ illustration, a good master makes his expectations clear and provides for his servants so they can succeed. God does this perfectly.

• Clear instructions: We have His word—an entire book laying out His will for our lives. He’s not vague about what He expects.

• Provision: God gives what we need to accomplish His work. He equips us for service and promises to care for us.

Following His will benefits us, too. God’s ways lead to stronger relationships, wiser decisions, and better stewardship of life’s resources. Sin complicates and destroys; obedience builds and blesses.

No “Thank You” Expected

This is the part that can sound harsh: the master doesn’t say “thank you” to the servant for doing his job. Why? Because it’s the servant’s duty.

The servant already receives the agreed-upon provision—food, clothing, shelter. Similarly, God doesn’t owe us gratitude for doing His will. Serving Him is our obligation.

In our daily jobs, we don’t expect our boss to throw a party every time we complete an assignment. We simply do what we were hired to do and receive our wages.

“Unworthy Servants”

Jesus tells us to view ourselves as “unworthy” (or “unprofitable”) servants. That doesn’t mean our work is meaningless—it means our service doesn’t put God in our debt. We don’t “add value” to Him in the sense of increasing His worth. God is perfect and self-sufficient.

But He chooses to let our work add value to His kingdom. That’s an incredible privilege—but it’s still not about us. It’s about Him.

We don’t work to shine a light on ourselves, to earn salvation, or to make ourselves “worthy.” We work because it’s what we ought to do.

The Heart of the Lesson

This parable is about humility and perspective:

• Serving God is our duty—not a favor we’re doing for Him.

• Obedience doesn’t earn extra credit—we’re simply doing what’s expected.

• The reward is by God’s grace—not because we deserve it.

The apostles asked Jesus to increase their faith. His answer? You grow it yourself—like a mustard seed—through steady, humble service. Work hard, be faithful, and remember: you’re serving the Master, not working for applause.

For Us Today

It’s tempting to want recognition for what we do in the kingdom. But Jesus says that’s not the point. God already promised the greatest possible reward—eternal life with Him—not because we earned it, but because He loves us.

Our role is clear:Serve faithfully. Put His will first. Do the work not for praise, but because it’s what we ought to do.

And at the end of the day, when we’ve done everything commanded of us, our response should be:“We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.”