Luke 17:9

Context of Luke 17:9

Luke 17:9 is part of a parable Jesus tells immediately after instructing His disciples on the power of faith and the importance of forgiveness. The parable, found in Luke 17:7-10, illustrates the nature of a servant's duty to his master. Jesus describes a servant who has worked all day in the field, then comes in to prepare and serve his master's meal before eating his own. The question posed in verse 9, "Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not," highlights the expected understanding of a servant's role: to perform duties without expectation of special commendation for simply doing what is required.

Key Themes and Messages

• Duty and Obedience: The verse underscores the concept of inherent duty. A servant's primary responsibility is to obey commands, and fulfilling these commands is not extraordinary but expected. This reflects the believer's call to obey God's will.
• Humility in Service: Jesus challenges the notion that one deserves special thanks or merit for merely doing what is commanded. This fosters a spirit of humility, reminding us that our service to God is not about earning favor but about fulfilling our purpose as His creation and His children. This idea culminates in the statement that we are "unprofitable servants" in Luke 17:10.
• Grace, Not Merit: While the parable emphasizes duty, it implicitly points to the nature of God's grace. Our salvation and blessings are not earned through our obedience, but are gifts. Our obedience is a response to grace, not a means to acquire it.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "I trow not" is an archaic English expression from the King James Version. The word "trow" comes from an Old English word meaning "to believe," "to trust," or "to think." Therefore, "I trow not" simply means "I think not" or "I suppose not." It conveys a rhetorical question where the expected answer is clearly no, emphasizing the self-evident nature of the servant's duty.

Practical Application and Reflection

For the modern believer, Luke 17:9 serves as a powerful reminder about the nature of Christian service. Our service to God should not be motivated by a desire for praise, recognition, or reward, but by a humble heart that seeks to honor Him and fulfill His commands. Just as a servant performs his duties because it is his role, so too should we perform acts of faith, love, and obedience because it is our privilege and calling as followers of Christ. This perspective encourages us to serve diligently, knowing that our ultimate reward is found in God's grace, not in our own accomplishments. It aligns with the teaching that true greatness in the Kingdom of God comes through humble service to others.