“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 my 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

This parable feels sharp. When I read it this morning, I wasn’t even sure I wanted to explore it. But I had a change of heart. This story from Jesus is not about being unkind. It’s relevant because I can often wrestle with my identity and my longing to be seen and valued for what I do. 

I believe Jesus was helping His disciples re-adjust their expectations of discipleship.  Because their relationship with Him was rooted in love, they were freed to serve from a deep place of identity rather than performance.  He wanted them to know that they were already loved and didn’t need to earn a place at His table by their good works. 

When the workers said they were ‘unworthy servants’, they did not mean they were worthless. They meant they owed nothing because of their service. They served for a different reason entirely – love and the joy of obedience. 

Have you ever had the thought that if you served God by doing something hard, He would bless you to compensate?  This parable dispels that kind of thinking.  Love is not a contract.  Service is not a business deal.  We take up our cross, not for blessing, but because we have been loved.  Paul said, “The love of Christ constrains me to live my life for Him.”  2 Cor. 2:14

I can’t do anything today to make God love me more than He already does. I can’t sacrifice myself on the altar of Christian service to draw more attention to myself. The love Christ demonstrated on the cross for me IS the driving force that burns in my heart. Love is the currency. Jesus is the treasure. I don’t need to work for attention and reward. Both are already mine. 

When You washed the disciples’ feet, You did not do it to be honored.  You poured Yourself out for love.  Thank you for the example.  Amen