Unprofitable Servant?

Unprofitable Servant?

Luke 17:10, 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.

Jesus uses Luke 17:7-10 to teach that even after working hard, a servant cannot claim certain advantages or special treatment. An “unprofitable servant” (Luke 17:10) is a believer who has done everything commanded by God, who recognizes they have merely fulfilled their duty rather than earning special merit or reward. This is the form of humility fitting for all of God’s servants; acknowledging that our service does not obligate God to us in some special way, because all our abilities, opportunities, and salvation are really gifts from Him to us. A genuine servant does not earn special praise, thanks, or recognition from his Master for doing his job.

“My master does not owe me anything extra.” The fact that Jesus will reward His servants is wholly a matter of God’s grace. We do not deserve anything because we have obeyed Him and served Him. (W. W. Wiersbe)