Great Expectations
When you have done everything you were told to do, [you] should say, “We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.” Luke 17:10
Do you ever think God expects too much of you?
In Luke 17:1-4, Jesus presented two hard-to-swallow teachings. First, He warned the disciples about causing others to stumble (vv. 1-2). Second, He instructed them to forgive those who offended them and then repented, no matter how many times the person sinned against them (vv. 3-4).
Perhaps the Twelve thought, Lord, You must be kidding. That’s way too hard! What they actually said sounded more pious: “Increase our faith!” (v. 5). In other words, “Lord, if that’s what You expect of us, we need a lot more faith.” Perhaps you also feel that way about something. You may even be asking God to increase your faith so you can handle the situation in a God-honoring manner.
Jesus, however, assured the disciples that they had sufficient faith (v. 6). He then revealed their true deficit by telling a short parable about a hard-working servant. 
The servant had been working all day in the fields or tending the sheep. As evening approached, the servant entered his employer’s house. Would his employer say, “Come, sit and eat with me,” or would he say, “Prepare my supper before you eat”? And after the servant fixed the meal and served it, would the employer say, “Thank you so much. I didn’t expect such gracious service after you’ve worked all day”? (vv. 7-10 paraphrased).
Jesus’ point was this: no servant expected his employer to treat him as a dinner guest or to reward him for doing his duty. The disciples’ problem was not a lack of faith but a lack of understanding. They still assumed that following Jesus was leading toward a comfortable, prestigious position in His kingdom, where others would serve them.
Jesus, on the other hand, was preparing the Twelve for future hardships. “In this world you will have trouble,” Jesus later said (John 16:33). In other words, His followers shouldn’t expect a comfortable, prestigious position in a world that hates Him (see John 15:18-20).
We may also need a better understanding of what following Jesus entails. If we’re truly grateful for all Jesus has done for us, our loving response should be faithful, uncomplaining service and a mind-set of “we have only done our duty.”
DIG DEEPER:
Read Luke 17:11-19. Why do you suppose Luke placed the story of the ten lepers after Jesus’ parable about the hard-working servant?
Consider how Jesus modeled the teaching in Luke 17:7-10 by reading these passages: John 8:28-29; John 10:11-18; Luke 22:41-42. Is there a situation you need to give to God and say, “Not my will, but Yours, O God”?
Read 1 Corinthians 9:7-27. Paul had been accused of profiting from his ministry. What is his perspective on a minister’s right to earn a living as well as the true reward of serving Christ?
Denise K. Loock
This devotion is part of a series, The Parables.