7"Will any one of you, who has a servant plowing or keeping sheep, say to him when he has come in from the field, `Come at once and sit down at table'? 8Will he not rather say to him, `Prepare supper for me, and gird yourself and serve me, till I eat and drink; and afterward you shall eat and drink'? 9Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded? 10So you also, when you have done all that is commanded you, say, `We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.'"
Wow. This one knocks you flat on your back. Jesus warns against those who do what is essentially their duty but they want praise and recognition for it. Jesus says “Wake up”. There is no reward for doing what is essential and defined for you to do. Just get on with it. This seems to be a direct attack upon those who feel entitled. Jesus suggests there is no time for them in God’s kingdom. Life throws demands at you. That is the gift. Woe is he who is waiting for more.
ReplyDeleteThis passage does have a way of humbling us, urging us to let go of any expectation of praise or entitlement for simply fulfilling our duties. Jesus’ words emphasize a discipleship that is grounded in humility, responsibility, and a sense of purpose beyond recognition. It's a reminder that our actions, especially those that align with God’s will, are expressions of love, not transactions seeking a return.
DeleteBy saying, in essence, "We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty," Jesus shifts the focus away from self-congratulation or entitlement to wholehearted commitment. This perspective invites us to see life’s demands—the responsibilities, sacrifices, and service—as gifts that shape and fulfill us rather than burdens to be rewarded. There’s beauty in doing what is right and necessary, even when unnoticed, because it aligns us with God’s quiet, faithful love for us.
Your reflection captures this so well, seeing the gift in life’s demands rather than waiting for acknowledgment. It echoes Jesus’ call to live with a humble, dedicated heart—one that’s fulfilled not by reward but by love, service, and purpose.