I have been reflecting on the unprofitable servant Jesus spoke of in Luke 17 as it relates to other truths Jesus revealed. I find it interesting Jesus would speak of unprofitable servants when in John 15 he says I no longer call you servants but call you friends. So how do these reconcile with each other?
In Luke 17, Jesus is not calling us servants. He is teaching about our attitude. The disciples had just asked him to increase their faith. In response Jesus taught about the faith of a mustard seed and doing great things. That is when he pivots to speaking of unprofitable servants.
Jesus is getting at our attitude by speaking of unprofitable servants in a parable. There have been countless people in the history of the church who Jesus has called to do wonderful things. What should our attitude be when Jesus calls us to do wonderful things?
No matter what we do in serving Jesus and others, we are only able to do so because Jesus empowers us through the Holy Spirit. The attitude Jesus is teaching through this parable is humility.
Our identity in Jesus is that of friend, child of God, royal priesthood and more. Out identity in Jesus is a gift from God not something we have earned just as our salvation is a gift from God not something we have earned which is why Ephesians 2:8-9 says:
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.
Serving Jesus, following Jesus, is not anything we can boast or brag about. We should give glory and credit to Jesus out of humility and gratitude that he involves us in his work.
Thank you for reading. God Bless.
Jesusluvsall's Blog 
Considering all that Jesus has done for us it a humbling and something to be very grateful for
Grateful indeed
Amen, I’ve been in this space for a while, thinking of His Grace and Mercy toward us. How grateful we should be for the Gift given unto us and how it is truly a beautiful amazing “gift”!!
It is an amazing gift. One that should overwhelm us all
Interesting thought! I’ve never pondered the difference before – love this.
Thank you
sorry I got behind in responding
No worries at all, Matt! Have a great day!
A great distinction Matt.
Thank you Gary
Amen, Matt! I long to have a servant’s attitude and heart! Oh, what a Savior we serve! Blessings, brother!
Jesus is amazing. How are you this week?
Amen! Matt, I sold my home and have a home I’m going to lease to be closer to the hospital, family, drs,…it’s all happening faster than my body can do. My mind keeps up with paperwork for a few hours. And then I drop. We have birthdays, scans (Dad and I), appts, and all the things that go with moving. You understand I know. It’s a lot right now. But as always, God is good and I trust him through this entire process. It’s not easy being alone and trying to navigate such big things at one time. I stop, count my blessings, and inhale and exhale the Spirit of Christ and his strength and love. May God bless you ~through it all! The weather, health, circumstances….we always have Jesus don’t we brother?
Do you have help with the move? Yes we always have Jesus little sister 🙂
Matt, one of my former pastors gathered some young men and my hiking tribe from Arkansas are all coming up to help! I don’t know what I’d do without them all! Have a beautiful and blessed Friday and weekend, brother! 🙏🏻
I am glad you have such good help with the move little sister. 🙂
How was your weekend?
Thank you, brother! It was a good weekend, how about you? I have wonderful worship friends and did take my time packing up some boxes. We are expecting 6-10 inches of snow tomorrow night. This will impact my scan scheduled for Wednesday and hopefully will not impact my moving weekend! God has it all! Stay blessed my brother! 😁
Did you have fun in the snow?
How was the move?
Did you have your scan?
Hello again, brother! Oh boy! What a cold, snowy, and icy move! I waited 5 days for internet, lol, and hopefully will be up and writing soon. Tomorrow I see a geneticist~I think it will be interesting! Wednesday is a big day! My scan! I’ll be excited to share with everyone! Prayers are appreciated! I’ll keep praying for you, brother!
Prayed for you
He knows my name and He calls me friend. Praise the Lord
That could be a song 🙂
Grateful for what God is doing in our lives.
God is always at work on our behalf
Amen! Jesus emphasizes that our walk of faith should reflect our humbleness and daily gratitude. Blessings to you Matt as the Spirit encourages you to share the Gospel
Thank you Richard. How are you?
Life has stayed busy with helping one of our Ohio families. God continues to lead. I saw the end of the Ohio State vs. Nebraska mens basketball game last night. The Huskers found victory while the Bucks suffered their fifth loss in a row.
Huskers finding victory in mens basketball is a rare occurrence 🙂
It’s an honor to be part of His plans. 🙏🏿
An honor-Amen
being included in his work is a privilege