Parable of the master and the servant

The parable of the master and the servant, often derived from Luke 17:7–10, provides a profound teaching on humility, duty, and the proper disposition of believers before God. In the Reformed tradition, this parable is interpreted through the lens of God’s sovereignty, human sinfulness, and the grace by which believers are brought into relationship with Him.

The Parable Explained

In this parable, Jesus describes a scenario where a servant works in the field or tends sheep and then, upon returning, is expected to prepare a meal for the master. The master does not thank the servant for fulfilling these duties because the servant is merely doing what is required of him. Jesus concludes by instructing His disciples to see themselves as unworthy servants who have only done their duty.

The Reformed Perspective

1. God’s Sovereignty and Human Obligation
   This emphasizes God’s absolute sovereignty over all creation. He is the Creator and Lord, and all that exists is under His authority. This parable reflects the reality that, as creatures, human beings owe God total obedience. The servant's work is not extraordinary but simply his duty. Similarly, believers are obligated to obey God not to earn favor but because it is their natural and rightful response to His lordship. As the Westminster Catechism states, humanity's chief end is "to glorify God and enjoy Him forever." Obedience is a component of this glorification.

2. Human Sinfulness and Grace
   This also acknowledges the inherent sinfulness of humanity. Even our best works, apart from God’s grace, are marred by sin (Isaiah 64:6). Thus, there is no room for pride in our service to God. When we obey, we do so only by the enabling power of the Holy Spirit. The parable challenges any notion that our works could place God in our debt. It highlights the futility of legalism and self-righteousness, pointing instead to the necessity of humility.

3. Humility in Service
   The phrase “we are unworthy servants” is a call to humility. This humility is grounded in the recognition of God’s holiness and our unworthiness apart from Christ. While human beings are created in God’s image and therefore have inherent dignity, the fall has left us incapable of meriting God’s favor. The parable reminds believers that even their obedience is a response to God’s grace, not a means of earning it.

4. Christ’s Perfect Obedience
   The parable also points implicitly to Christ. Jesus, though fully God, became the ultimate servant, perfectly fulfilling the Father’s will and securing salvation for His people. Unlike the servant in the parable, Christ’s service was not His obligation as the Son of God; it was a voluntary act of love and grace. Believers, united with Christ, are called to imitate His humility and obedience while relying on His righteousness.

Application in the Christian Life

This parable encourages believers to approach their lives with gratitude and humility. Good works are not performed to earn God’s favor but as an outflow of His transformative grace. Believers are to see themselves as stewards of God’s gifts, laboring faithfully without seeking human recognition. Ultimately, the parable underscores that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, and that all glory belongs to God.