Luke 17:8
“And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?”
Context:To better understand this verse, it is important to consider its context within the larger passage. In Luke 17, Jesus is teaching His disciples about forgiveness, faith, and the coming kingdom of God. He shares various parables and teachings to emphasize these points.
Parable of the Unprofitable Servant:Luke 17:7-10 contains the parable of the unprofitable servant. In this parable, Jesus uses the example of a master and a servant to teach about humility and obedience. The servant is depicted as having worked all day in the field, and when he returns, the master does not immediately serve him. Instead, the master instructs the servant to prepare a meal for him and serve him first before attending to his own needs.
Lesson of Humility and Obedience:The primary lesson of this parable is one of humility and obedience. The servant’s duty is to serve his master and fulfill his responsibilities without expecting immediate reward or personal gain. The servant is expected to prioritise the master’s needs above his own and wait until the master is satisfied before attending to his own needs.
Spiritual Application:This parable holds spiritual significance for believers today. It reminds us of our role as servants of God and followers of Jesus Christ. We are called to serve God wholeheartedly, humbly submitting ourselves to His will and placing His interests before our own.
- Obedience and Sacrifice:The parable teaches us about obedience and sacrifice. As servants of God, we are called to obey His commands and fulfil our responsibilities faithfully, even when it requires personal sacrifice or delaying our own gratification. Just as the servant in the parable waited to eat and drink until after serving his master, we should be willing to lay aside our desires and serve God selflessly.
Attitude of a Servant:The parable also highlights the attitude that should characterise our service to God. We should approach our service with humility, recognising that it is a privilege to serve the Lord. Our focus should be on pleasing God and advancing His kingdom rather than seeking personal recognition or rewards.
- Attitude of a Servant:The parable also highlights the attitude that should characterise our service to God. We should approach our service with humility, recognising that it is a privilege to serve the Lord. Our focus should be on pleasing God and advancing His kingdom rather than seeking personal recognition or rewards.
Application:In our daily lives, we can apply the principles of this parable by serving others selflessly, just as Christ served us. We should prioritise the needs of others and seek opportunities to humbly serve them. By doing so, we reflect the character of Christ and demonstrate His love to the world.

