What Jesus Did! 'The Attitude of a Servant' — Luke 17:7-10

Thursday, October 5, 2023

[Jesus said,] "When a servant comes in from plowing or taking care of sheep, does his master say, 'Come in and eat with me'? No, he says, 'Prepare my meal, put on your apron, and serve me while I eat. Then you can eat later.' And does the master thank the servant for doing what he was told to do? Of course not. In the same way, when you obey me you should say, 'We are unworthy servants who have simply done our duty.'"
— Luke 17:7-10 NLT

Key Thought

In Jesus' day, a servant did not have any significant rights. A servant had to do what pleased his or her master regardless of thanks or praise. A servant had no right to expect approval or commendation. When a servant worked hard and completed a long list of demands, there was no expectation of praise; that servant only did what was expected. Jesus is Lord, Master, and Savior. He has called us to follow and serve him. Of course, the incredible blessing is that when we come to him as a servant, he welcomes us as a sister or brother and friend and, at the end of this life, will tell us "Come, ... inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world" (Matthew 25:34).

Today's Prayer

Father, as I come and offer myself to your Son as a servant for his work and his glory, thank you for accepting me as your child and making me his sibling, a joint heir, with your precious Son and my Savior. In his name, Jesus Christ the Lord, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Galatians 3:26-4:7
  • Hebrews 2:14-18
  • John 15:15

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 17:7-10 NLT — In the same way, when you obey me you should say, 'We are unworthy servants who have simply done our duty.

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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