“Suppose one of you has a servant ploughing or 

looking after the sheep. Will he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, ‘Come along now and sit down to eat’? Won’t he rather say, ‘Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink; 

after that you may eat and drink’?”
(Luke 17:7-8)

Luke 17:5-10

These verses can sound harsh at first, especially to those of us living in a time where any form of slavery is rightly and strongly condemned. However, we must remember the context that Jesus was addressing—a world where slavery was the norm and provided teaching opportunities about humanity’s relationship with God.

In this parable, Jesus is teaching a crucial lesson about humble service. In Jesus’ time, servants were expected to do their duty without expecting praise or special treatment. Jesus applies this image to our service toward God.

So often, we can slip into thinking that when we serve God, whether by helping others, giving, praying, or working in the church, we deserve recognition or reward. But Jesus reminds us that serving God isn’t something that we do to gain recognition or favour. It’s our loving response to who God is and to the grace that God extends to us.

God desires hearts that serve out of gratitude and devotion. When we truly experience God’s grace, we serve not to earn God’s love, but because we’ve already received it. True discipleship means trusting in God and faithfully doing what God asks, even when no one else notices.

How do you usually feel when your service goes unnoticed or unappreciated? In what areas of your life might God be calling you to serve with greater humility?

Reflections by Joe Taylor

Gracious God,
 thank you for the privilege of serving you. Forgive me when I seek recognition and praise. Teach me to serve with humility and gratitude, remembering all you’ve done for me. 

May my service bring you joy. 
Amen.

Visit our website