The most striking part of this verse is Jesus's emphasis on the master's needs coming first, even after a long day of hard labor. A servant returning from the field isn't immediately told, "Come and eat," but rather must attend to the master's meal before their own, highlighting the subservient role and the expectation of continued service. This isn't about the servant's comfort or immediate reward, but about fulfilling the master's will first.
“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 recline at table’? Will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare supper for me, and dress properly, and serve me while I eat and drink, and afterward you will eat and drink’? Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded?
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus uses this parable to humble his disciples and correct their potential pride, especially concerning their future roles and rewards in his kingdom. He cautions them against expecting immediate accolades or special treatment based on their service, reminding them that even significant faith and obedience are simply fulfilling their duty as servants of God. This teaching follows Jesus' instruction on forgiveness and precedes the parable of the persistent widow, both of which emphasize the importance of continued prayer and perseverance without arrogance.
Imagine your servant works all day in the field, then comes home exhausted. Would you immediately tell them to drop everything and join you at the dinner table?
Jesus uses this everyday scenario to highlight a crucial point about our relationship with God.
A Servant's Duty
When a servant returns from a long day of labor—whether plowing or tending sheep—they aren't immediately invited to relax and dine. Their work is physically demanding and likely ends when the day does.
The Master's Priorities
Instead of being served, the servant is expected to continue serving. The master would say, 'Prepare my supper, dress yourself, and serve me, until I am finished eating and drinking; afterward you may eat and drink.' (Luke 17:8, paraphrased). The master's needs come first.
This isn't about being cruel; it's about acknowledging the fundamental relationship: the servant works for the master. The master provides for the servant, but not until after the master's needs are met.
Do we serve God like a hired employee expecting full payment the moment the clock strikes five, or like something more profound?
Jesus is challenging any notion that our service to God earns us some kind of merit or special status that obligates Him.
Ask a follow-up
Beyond Earning
Unlike a hired worker who fulfills a contract, a servant's life and labor belong entirely to the master. Jesus implies that our relationship with God is even deeper than this. We are His creations, and all we do is ultimately fulfilling our purpose for Him.
Unprofitable Servants
Jesus' punchline comes in verse 10: 'So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’' This is the core message: We can do everything God asks, and still, we have done only what we were obligated to do. We bring nothing to the table that God hasn't already enabled. Our service is expected, not meritorious. We are 'unprofitable' not in the sense that our service is worthless, but that it adds nothing to God's own being or glory – He is complete without us, and we can't 'earn' His favor as if He were indebted to us.
Understand the original words
doulos · Greek Noun
Refers to a person owned by a master, having no personal rights or claims against the master, and whose primary purpose is to fulfill the master's will. In the New Testament, believers are often described as bondservants of Christ, highlighting their submission to His lordship.
Paul uses the analogy of an athlete training for a race to illustrate the discipline and self-denial required for spiritual service, emphasizing that ultimate reward comes only after completing the course.
Galatians 6:9This verse cautions against growing weary in doing good, especially in service, highlighting that perseverance in duty precedes the harvest of reward.
Colossians 3:23It teaches that whatever we do, we should do heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, mirroring the servant's duty to his master above all else.
1 Peter 4:10Peter encourages believers to use their gifts to serve one another faithfully, implying that stewardship of God's gifts is a continuous duty, not a one-time accomplishment deserving immediate rest.
Matthew 24:45-47Jesus speaks of the faithful and wise servant whom the master puts in charge of his household, suggesting that service and diligence are rewarded, but the reward comes at the master's discretion and timing, not immediately upon task completion.
gillLuke 17:7: "But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat?"
But which of you having a servant ploughing,.... In order to keep the disciples humble in the performance of such miraculous works; and that they might not imagine they could have any thing at the hands of God by merit; and to excite them to go on from one duty to another; and never think they have done, or done enough, or more than wha…
clarkeLuke 17:7: "But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat?"
Which of you, having a servant - It is never supposed that the master waits on the servant - the servant is bound to wait on his master, and to do every thing for him to the uttermost of his power: nor does the former expect thanks for it, for he is bound by his agreement to act thus, because of the stipulated reward, which is considere…
The most striking part of this verse is Jesus's emphasis on the master's needs coming first, even after a long day of hard labor. A servant returning from the field isn't immediately told, "Come and eat," but rather must attend to the master's meal before their own, highlighting the subservient role and the expectation of continued service. This isn't about the servant's comfort or immediate reward, but about fulfilling the master's will first.
Jesus uses this parable to humble his disciples and correct their potential pride, especially concerning their future roles and rewards in his kingdom. He cautions them against expecting immediate accolades or special treatment based on their service, reminding them that even significant faith and obedience are simply fulfilling their duty as servants of God. This teaching follows Jesus' instruction on forgiveness and precedes the parable of the persistent widow, both of which emphasize the importance of continued prayer and perseverance without arrogance.
Jesus uses this parable to humble his disciples and correct their potential pride, especially concerning their future roles and rewards in his kingdom. He cautions them against expecting immediate accolades or special treatment based on their service, reminding them that even significant faith and obedience are simply fulfilling their duty as servants of God. This teaching follows Jesus' instruction on forgiveness and precedes the parable of the persistent widow, both of which emphasize the importance of continued prayer and perseverance without arrogance.
"“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 recline at table’? Will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare supper for me, and dress properly, and serve me whi…" — The most striking part of this verse is Jesus's emphasis on the master's needs coming first, even after a long day of hard labor. A servant returning from the field isn't immediately told, "Come an…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
