Gospel
7 Jesus said to his Apostles: “Who among you would say to your servant who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field, ‘Come here immediately and take your place at table’? 8 Would he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare something for me to eat. Put on your apron and wait on me while I eat and drink. You may eat and drink when I am finished’? 9 Is he grateful to that servant because he did what was commanded? 10 So should it be with you. When you have done all you have been commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.’”
Historical Background
First-century Palestine was largely agrarian. Small farms often had one servant who worked long hours—plowing, shepherding, and preparing meals. Jesus’ audience would recognize this as normal, not harsh.
Servants (douloi) had limited rights. Roman law gave masters authority, though Jewish law (Leviticus 25:43) tempered this with ethical treatment. Still, thanking a servant for doing their duty was culturally unnecessary. Daily rations were considered payment. Inviting a servant to dine as a guest would be like paying them twice. Praising a servant for basic duties could invert social roles and dishonor the master. Jesus uses this to underscore the expected nature of obedience.
Theological Context
No merit theology. The parable emphasizes that obedience to God doesn’t earn us favor—it’s our duty. This counters any notion of transactional faith. This teaching follows the disciples’ request for increased faith. Jesus shifts the focus from power to posture.
The passage echoes themes from Exodus 21 and Deuteronomy 15, where servanthood could be chosen out of love. In God’s kingdom, we serve not for reward but out of loyalty and reverence.
Echoes in Pauline letters. Ephesians 6:5–9 and Colossians 3:22–24 reinforce the idea of wholehearted service to the Lord, not for human praise.
Learning Lessons:
Jesus highlights the significance of duty and responsibility. It encourages us to faithfully carry out our tasks and responsibilities, understanding that this is our obligation. He teaches us the importance of humility reminding us that, no matter how much we accomplish, we should remain humble and recognize that we are simply fulfilling our duties.
Jesus emphasizes the role of servanthood in our lives. We are called to serve others and God without seeking praise or recognition for our actions. By acknowledging ourselves as unworthy servants, we cultivate a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to serve and for the grace we receive from God.
These lessons inspire us to live with humility, embrace our role as servants, fulfill our duties responsibly, and maintain a grateful heart.
Reflection for the Day
Today, this passage invites us to examine our posture in service. Do we serve God expecting recognition, or simply because He is worthy? Are we content to be “unworthy servants,” doing what is required without seeking applause? Can we find joy in obedience itself, not in the rewards it might bring?
Let this passage strip away spiritual pride. May we embrace the quiet dignity of faithful service, knowing that our worth is not in what we do for God, but in who we are to Him—beloved, called, and entrusted.
In humble service, we stand tall,
Yet know our worth is small.
For every task, each duty done,
We owe it all to God's own Son.
We labor not for earthly praise,
But in the light of heaven's gaze.
Our hands may toil, our hearts may strive,
Yet in His grace, we truly thrive.
Unworthy servants, this we claim,
For all we do, in Jesus' name.
No merit earned, no glory sought,
Just faithful hearts, with love in thought.
So let us serve with humble grace,
Reflecting Christ in every place.
For in His service, we are free,
Unworthy servants, blessed to be.
Dear Lord Jesus,
We come before You with humble hearts, acknowledging that we are unworthy servants. We recognize that all we do is simply our duty, and we owe everything to Your grace and mercy. Help us to serve You faithfully, without seeking praise or recognition.
Grant us the strength to carry out our responsibilities with diligence and humility. May we always remember that our actions are a reflection of Your love and grace. Teach us to be grateful for the opportunity to serve and to find joy in fulfilling our duties.
Lord, guide us to live lives that honor You, and help us to remain humble in all that we do. May our service be a testament to Your glory and a reflection of Your boundless love.
In Your holy name, we pray.
Amen.
Gospel Acclamation
Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him.
Reflection Source:
Published:
November 12, 2024, 6:17 AM