LUKE 17:7–10
THE ATTITUDE OF A HUMBLE SERVANT
Text – Luke 17:7–10
7 “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 and Jewish Context
Jesus uses the imagery of a household with servants—a familiar structure in ancient Palestine. A servant’s role included long hours of labor followed by service within the home. No master in that culture would consider giving special privileges simply for doing assigned duties. The phrase “unprofitable servants” reflects a Semitic expression meaning “servants who claim no merit.” The teaching was meant to counteract pride or the belief that one’s good works earn divine favor. Instead, obedience was understood as a normal and expected expression of covenant loyalty.
Catholic Theological Perspective
Jesus teaches the virtue of humility in discipleship. Even when believers obey God fully, they cannot claim righteousness apart from grace. Catholic theology emphasizes that salvation is God’s gift, not human achievement. Good works are necessary as expressions of faith, but they do not place God in our debt. This passage forms part of the Church’s teaching on the proper disposition of the heart: obedient, humble, and aware that all good is ultimately God’s work in us. The attitude of the servant mirrors Christ’s own humility and obedience to the Father, which the faithful are called to imitate.
Parallels in Scripture
Ps 115:1 – “Not to us, Lord, not to us, but to Your name give glory.”
Is 64:6 – Human righteousness is incomplete without God’s mercy.
Mk 10:45 – The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve.
Phil 2:5–8 – Christ emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant.
Eph 2:8–10 – We are saved by grace, created for good works prepared by God.
Key Terms
Unprofitable servants – Those who recognize they earn nothing by their works.
Obliged to do – Expression of covenant duty and faithful obedience.
Servant – A disciple whose identity is rooted in service and humility.
Humility – A virtue that acknowledges dependence on God.
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This passage appears in weekday Masses and is used in teachings on humility, vocation, and Christian service. It is frequently quoted in religious life to emphasize total self-giving without expectation of reward. It supports the Church’s understanding of ministry as humble service, patterned on Christ.
Conclusion
Jesus teaches that true disciples serve God without seeking praise or reward. Everything good is a response to God’s grace, not a claim to merit. Humility keeps the heart aligned with God’s will.
Reflection
Do I look for recognition when I serve God or others? Do I sometimes feel that God owes me something for my efforts? Jesus invites me to embrace humble service, grateful for the grace that enables every good work.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, give me a humble and obedient heart. Help me serve You faithfully without seeking recognition. Teach me to acknowledge that all good comes from You and to imitate Your humility in all I do. Amen.