Parable of the Unworthy Servants: Humble Obedience

Why Does Jesus Talk About Humble Obedience?

Have you ever done something kind or helpful and felt disappointed when no one noticed? Many believers feel this way at times. We work hard. We serve others. We pray, teach, give, and help. Yet we often hope someone will thank us. When Jesus told the parable of the unworthy servants, He addressed this quiet desire in every heart. He spoke to His disciples with love, and He helped them see service in a new way.

We sometimes feel that obedience should bring a reward. We think God should notice, or others should notice. Jesus invited His disciples into a deeper kind of trust. He showed them a picture of humble obedience that rests in God’s grace. When we understand why He told this parable, we learn how to serve with peace instead of pressure.

The parable sits inside a larger section where Jesus teaches His disciples about faith, forgiveness, and the posture of a servant. Because those ideas connect, we gain wisdom about our own walk with God. The parable of the unworthy servants pushes us to examine our motives, and it helps us return to the heart of simple obedience. When we understand this teaching, we learn to serve with joy rather than seeking recognition.

Setting the Context of Jesus’ Teaching

Luke places this parable after a conversation about forgiveness and faith. Jesus told His disciples that they must forgive others, even when it feels difficult. Because that command is so heavy, the disciples asked Him to increase their faith. Jesus then explained that faith is powerful because the power comes from God, not from the size of the believer.

This setting prepares us for what comes next. Jesus moved from forgiveness and faith into a parable about obedience. He wanted His disciples to understand that serving God is not a way to earn favor. It is a response to grace. When we place the parable of the unworthy servants inside this flow, the message becomes clear. Jesus was building a picture of discipleship that rests on humility.

We also see a shift from big ideas to a simple story. This shift helps the disciples grasp the lesson. Jesus often taught through familiar scenes because they spoke to the heart quickly. The parable uses the picture of a servant coming home from work. The disciples understood this world. They saw the rhythm of work and responsibility. So they could understand the spiritual truth behind the image.

When we read the parable with fresh eyes, we hear Jesus speak to our own expectations. He reminds us that obedience is part of our identity. It is not a performance. It is daily faithfulness rooted in trust. This truth gives hope to believers who feel unseen or discouraged.

Parable of the Unworthy Servants (Luke 17:7–10)

7 “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’? 8 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’? 9 Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded? 10 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.’”

The parable of the unworthy servants uses a simple daily routine to teach a spiritual truth. A servant works in the field and then prepares food for the master. This pattern was normal in the ancient world. The servant lived to serve. He did not expect praise for doing what the master asked.

Jesus did not tell this story to make His disciples feel small. Instead, He showed them that faithful service flows from a heart that trusts God. When we serve with humility, we find peace in obeying Him. We no longer chase applause. We no longer fear being unnoticed. We serve because we belong to the Master.

Understanding the Role of the Servant

A. The Work in the Field

In the ancient world, servants often cared for flocks or managed fields. These jobs required strength, patience, and attention. The servant did not work for a reward. He worked because it was his role. Jesus used this picture to show that daily service is part of discipleship. Because God has redeemed us, we live as His people. We work in His fields with joy because He gives us strength.

B. The Work in the House

After a long day outside, the servant still had responsibilities inside the house. He prepared a meal. He served the master. Later, he ate. This rhythm shows ongoing service. Our walk with God touches every part of our lives. It is not limited to large moments or public acts. We serve Him in small, hidden tasks that shape our character. Because we serve with a humble heart, we learn to trust Him more.

C. Why Jesus Used This Picture

Jesus knew His disciples struggled with expectations. They wanted to please Him. They wanted to grow in faith. They also wanted to understand their purpose. So He gave them an image that removed pressure. The servant does not earn love. He simply lives out his identity. Because we belong to Christ, we obey out of gratitude instead of fear.

The Master’s Question and the Logic of the Parable

Jesus asked if the servant expected his master to offer praise or a place at the table. The answer is obvious. No one in that time expected that. The servant knew his role. This clear expectation helps Jesus drive home His point. The disciples must not think obedience earns extra standing before God. Because service is part of the life of a disciple, praise is not the goal.

This logic removes pride. It also removes the pressure to perform for people. Because we belong to God through Christ, we serve with steady hearts. The parable of the unworthy servants helps us focus on faith rather than reward. Jesus wanted His disciples to understand that obedience flows from grace. When we grasp this truth, we find real freedom.

We also see how the parable connects to forgiveness. Forgiving others often feels thankless. Yet Jesus calls us to forgive because we follow Him. The servant in the parable does not question his tasks. He simply obeys. Jesus invites His disciples to take that same posture. Faithful obedience grows out of love for God, not applause from others.

The Heart of the Teaching: Humble Obedience

This is one of the most misunderstood teachings of Jesus. Some think He wants His disciples to feel worthless. But that is not the message. Jesus never taught His followers to deny their value. Instead, He pointed them toward a heart posture that honors God.

A. What Humility Is Not

Humility does not mean denying God’s work in our lives. It does not mean rejecting encouragement. It does not mean thinking we have no value. Jesus does not ask us to feel useless. He calls us to remember that all strength comes from God.

B. What Humility Is

Humility is seeing ourselves as servants of the King. It is obeying because we love Him. It is trusting that His commands shape our lives for good. It is offering every act of service with a steady heart. Because we know God sees us, we do not chase praise. We rest in His care.

C. Why Jesus Says “Unworthy Servants”

The phrase “unworthy servants” means servants who do not earn favor through work. They serve because they belong to the master. Jesus tells His disciples to adopt that view. Because God’s grace saves us, we do not perform for approval. We obey as an act of love. This teaching frees us from pride and removes fear.

The Difference Between Grace and Works

Many believers struggle with this parable because they think Jesus dismisses our service. That is not His intention. Scripture shows that God sees every act of faithfulness. He delights in His children. He rewards obedience. The parable of the unworthy servants challenges the idea that we earn God’s love through our actions.

Grace is the foundation of discipleship. We do not serve to gain favor. We serve because God already poured His favor on us. Works flow out of a heart shaped by grace. This teaching protects us from disappointment when praise does not come. It helps us keep our eyes on Christ.

When we confuse grace and works, we fall into discouragement. We think God is distant. We think He does not care. Jesus reminds us that God’s love stays constant. Our service does not change it. This truth frees us from striving. It helps us grow in peace.

Practical Applications: The Life of a Forgiven Debtor

A. Quiet Faithfulness at Home

Most of our service happens in places where no one sees us. We care for others. We forgive. We help. These acts honor God. Because Jesus taught humility, we learn to value small tasks. The parable of the unworthy servants shows that hidden obedience matters to God.

B. Steadfast Service in the Church

Church service often feels unnoticed. People teach classes, clean rooms, greet visitors, and pray for others. Because these tasks do not bring applause, some feel discouraged. Jesus lifts that burden. He teaches us to serve because we follow Him, not because others praise us.

C. Obedience in Personal Discipleship

Each believer grows through habits like prayer, study, and repentance. These habits shape our hearts. Because they often feel quiet, we wonder if they matter. Jesus reminds us that faithfulness pleases God. We serve Him because He is our Master who saved us.

Closing Thoughts: Assurance and the Farewell (Luke 7:48–50)

Jesus does not leave His disciples discouraged. The parable of the unworthy servants invites us to rest in God’s grace. We serve because we belong to Him. We obey because He loves us. When we understand this parable, we stop chasing approval. We start serving with quiet confidence. Jesus offers peace to every believer who feels unseen. He reminds us that God sees every act of faithfulness. We walk with Him because He has redeemed us.

Because Christ is our Master, we delight in humble obedience. We trust His leadership. We serve with joy because grace shapes our hearts. When we finish the tasks He gives us, we say, “We have only done our duty.” This is not shame. It is freedom. Our confidence rests in Christ alone.