So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants, We have donewhat was our duty to do’ (Luke 17:10).
Welcome to the Christian life. You are asked by God to raise the bar in your attitude and behave like a servant who would be willing to live selflessly. The demand of the standard that Christ has set, may have seemed too high. That it was impossible that no offenses should come, but be warned when they do come! (Luke 17:1) In fact Jesus is saying that it would be better in comparison that we should have a millstone hung around our neck, and be thrown into the sea, than that we should be the cause of an offense to anyone wanting to come to Him. How serious is He? He tells us, If a brother (fellow believer) sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents forgive him. It is a Christian’s duty to be straightforward with a brother or sister in sin. Even up to seven times! Or no matter how many times they sin and repent. Forgiveness, like it has been granted so graciously to you, should be granted unending. And what was His disciples response? “Give us more faith.” (vs.5) They felt so inadequate in the face of the high standard Jesus had set for them.
Dear Christian saint, the point of this parable was that a servant should not expect no special reward for doing what was his duty in the first place. These were only the minimal duties for a servant of Christ. Let us not be looking for our rewards now in this life, but rather be willing to serve, and give of ourselves on behalf of Christ and His kingdom; so that others may be welcomed into the kingdom of heaven.
May God bless your walk!
