Today's message is a parable of the unprofitable servant. Jesus focuses on 'loyalty' as the theme of this parable. How can a servant remain loyal to God until the end? It involves recognizing one's own 'unprofitable' nature. We are called to be faithful servants of God and to serve what He has entrusted to us. Jesus' parable today teaches us about loyalty and humble service. Therefore, the title of today's message is:

 

The Key to Serving with Loyalty

 

Background of this Parable

Jesus taught His disciples that they could accomplish great things through faith, especially emphasizing great acts of faith in forgiveness. Jesus was well aware of the disciples' times of crisis, knowing that they faced even greater trials than times of trouble and persecution. It was during times of exaltation. Through this parable, Jesus desired the disciples to be faithful servants of God, whether in times of humility or exaltation.

 

What should the disciples think when exalted?

 

First, they should consider the grace of the call.

"But who among you, having a servant plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, 'Come at once and sit down to eat'?" (Luke 17:7, King James Bible)

 

Economic Difficulties in Jesus' Time

We need to examine the situation during Jesus' time. The region of Palestine was under Roman colonial rule. Taxes were auctioned, and the Levites who bid the highest amount collected the taxes for that year. They not only collected taxes owed to Rome but also exploited their fellow countrymen by adding their own profit. Additionally, people were required to pay religious taxes. When going up to the temple, they had to pay a temple tax. The Pharisees also demanded religious taxes from the people, threatening them with the consequence of their souls going to hell if they did not pay. John 6:26 says, "Jesus answered them and said, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled." (John 6:26, King James Bible)

Many people were desperate about their daily living issues. They regarded Jesus as the Messiah who would solve their practical problems related to food and living. The parable of the laborers in the vineyard in Matthew 20:1-16 also reflects the employment difficulties of that time. In such circumstances, someone receiving a job was a great blessing. The ability to work and the opportunity for those who wanted to work was a tremendous blessing. 'Plowing the field,' 'tending sheep,' and 'preparing food' were significant blessings for someone.

 

God has called us.

God has entrusted us with His mission.

God is using us for Himself and His kingdom.

The fact that God has called us, entrusted us with His mission, and is using us is a great grace and blessing.

 

Second, they should think about the grace of supply.

"Will he not rather say to him, 'Prepare something for me to eat, and properly clothe yourself and serve me while I eat and drink; and afterward you may eat and drink'?" (Luke 17:8, King James Bible)

Consider the fact that God supplies all our needs. There is a clear order between the Creator God and human creatures. Humans are created for the glory of God and to serve Him. Humans cannot become God; that is pride. We must recognize this fact clearly. God accepts our service, but He does not only accept our service. God actively involves Himself in the life of a servant. He provides food for the servant. He provides a place for the servant to live.

 

We are not orphans in this world.

God is our Father, supplying what we need.

Even what we do not ask for, God supplies out of His fatherly heart.

Because God has hired us, there is no need to worry about anything.

Matthew 6:33 says, "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (Matthew 6:33, King James Bible)

This is a great blessing and grace.

The fact that we have been liberated from the worry of eating, drinking, clothing, and living in this land is a great grace and blessing.

When we bear the mission God has called us to and God's supply for all our needs, God will supply everything we need.

 

Lastly, they should think about the grace of guidance.

"So you too, when you do all the things which are commanded you, say, 'We are unworthy slaves; we have done only that which we ought to have done.'" (Luke 17:10, King James Bible)

 

Finally, the attitude of the unprofitable servant is thanksgiving for God's guidance. God calls us and guides us. God teaches us what we should do. He instructs us on what and how to do things. Even though we are incompetent and weak, God wants us to perform tasks with faith. This is a great grace and blessing for the called servant. We do not need to do more or less than what our Lord has commanded us.

 

The acknowledgment of being an 'unprofitable servant' brings benefits to the servant.

When we have the recognition of being an unprofitable servant, we can be humble. Regardless of what we do, we can be humble. The word 'unprofitable' means 'to be of no benefit' or 'to be useless.' We are truly ones who have not been beneficial to God. We are not suitable for the history of God's kingdom. God called such people. God has supplied everything necessary for such people. God leads such people for His history.

 

The Apostle Paul clearly recognized himself as a servant of God (Romans 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:22; Galatians 1:10). This clear identity as a servant provided Paul with the motivation to endure hardship for the sake of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 11:24-28). Paul emphasized humbly fulfilling the duty of a preacher of the gospel. 1 Corinthians 9:16 states, "For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for I am under compulsion; for woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!" (1 Corinthians 9:16, King James Bible)

The confession of 'I am an unprofitable servant' enables us to humbly serve as a servant in God's history. It guides us to follow the path of serving as a servant of Jesus Christ until the end.

 

In conclusion,

the parable of the unprofitable servant teaches us valuable lessons about loyalty, humility, and gratitude in serving God. As we recognize our unworthiness, we can approach our service with humility and thanksgiving for God's guidance. May we all strive to be faithful servants, acknowledging our dependence on God's grace and trusting in His provision for all our needs.