Lessons from the Unprofitable Servant

Tony Khalil

Midland SDA Church

February 16, 2013

You have heard it said that a picture is worth a thousand words, and it’s true.  Jesus often used pictures to teach.  No, he didn’t have Power Point or a library of great works of art to draw from, but he taught with word pictures, what we call parables.  Why?  Some have suggested that he used parables so only those with discernment would understand the true meaning of what he was saying.  Still others would argue it was just a common practice of the day that he was employing.  Perhaps there is some truth to these statements but I would submit that Jesus used parables because of the overarching impact that they have.  They teach a lesson in a manner that requires active participation of the listener, they are easily remembered, and they provide a richer understanding of the lesson.  For example, Jesus told a story that we refer to as the” Parable of the Talents”.  Let’s read it in Matthew 25:14-30.  He could have just chosen to say that everyone has God given talents they should use for the Lords work, and they will be rewarded for doing so.  Had he said it this way, how memorable would it have been?  Would it have even been retained long enough in the minds of his followers to make it in to the gospels?  The parable has a tendency to stick in the mind of the listener long enough to be pondered and as the story is considered, the jewels within are revealed.  Had Jesus just taught the principle without the parable, His teaching would have been single faceted, but by using a story it allows for a richer understanding as the hearer visualizes and thinks through the story and unpacks the secondary lessons or meanings within it. 

I have some pictures for us to view now that function like parables.  Look at them with me, and I trust that immediately most of you will know the lesson contained within each story that is represented.  The first story represents pride.  It and falling for flattery are the downfall of the crow.  We need only see the second picture, and we remember the importance of watchfulness and not being deceived.  The third story brings to mind Solomon writing in Proverbs 6:6 “Go to the ant, thou sluggard.  Consider her ways and be wise.”  And in this last picture, we are reminded of diligence.  So, it is clear that a simple story can leave a lasting impression and express a great truth. 

We have read the parables of Jesus, listened to sermons about them, taught them to our children, and read what theologians have written about them.  We have a pretty good idea of Jesus’ intended messages in the stories he told.  From our perspective, it’s easy to be critical of the disciples as they seemingly just don’t seem to get it, over and over again.  But we must remember we have had the benefit of access to all of the scriptures, Jesus’ own interpretations, and commentaries of learned men and women.  When the disciples were hearing these stories, it was for the first time, and they came without commentary to men that were unschooled in critical thinking and men who had been taught error from their youth. 

Today I would like for us to take a closer look at one particular parable of Jesus found in Luke chapter 17 starting in verse 7.  This was our scripture reading this morning.  Let’s take a look at it again together. 

⁷ And which of 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’? ⁸ But will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare something for my supper, and gird yourself and serve me till I have eaten and drunk, and afterward you will eat and drink’? ⁹ Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not.^{[a] 10} So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’”

 This is a short one isn’t it?  You may be thinking to yourself, “Was that even a parable?”  Well it is. It is referred to as “the parable of the unprofitable servant”.   So, here we have a servant, a hired hand, whose job description includes plowing, tending sheep, and preparing meals.  These are some of the tasks he has been employed to carry out.  And he receives payment based on his ability to carry out these duties.  There is nothing unusual here.  It would be typical for a servant after performing his field duties to prepare the meal for his master and serve him prior to nourishing himself.  This would not be acting above and beyond the call of duty; rather, it would be a fulfillment of his duties and the master’s expectations for him.  For that is what he has been employed to do.  

Unfortunately, in our society, in the world we live in today it is not unusual to encounter those who have this simple concept mixed up.  Many have lost this basic work ethic and view the simple act of performing the work that they have been hired to do as something exceptional, deserving of reward beyond the agreed upon compensation.  Often times as we approach the end of the year we begin to ask ourselves the question “how much will I get for a bonus this year”.  Or we are disappointed after we successfully complete a task or project at work and our employer or supervisor fails to recognize us for a job well done.   Some may even become bitter or unsatisfied with their job as a result of this, but where does it say that we should be praised for doing what we are expected to do? 

Please don’t misunderstand me.  I enjoy receiving compliments and praise for my work just as much as the next guy, and I believe a successful manager will recognize his employees for a job well done.  All I am suggesting is that it should not be an expectation.  Those of you who enjoy watching sports have no doubt seen the extravagant show that a football player will perform after making a touchdown or completing a particularly impressive play.  He attempts to draw praise to himself for doing what he has been employed to do.  Apparently a multi-million dollar contract is not enough compensation on its own.  Okay, you can relax sports fans, that’s all the criticism I have for your beloved football.  (Maybe just say football).  “Your beloved” may sound a little condescending.

Something I have also been noticing more and more today that is even more disturbing, is an attitude of entitlement. Entitlement pictures here  That is we should receive something for doing nothing.  I realize this attitude is nothing new and perhaps it is at least partly a product of our weak economy but it seems even more prevalent than in times past.  Again, don’t misunderstand me, there are times when one may find themselves in a predicament that they cannot get out of alone, and these are times that we can be a blessing to one another by providing financial help or giving of our time to help a brother or sister in need.  There is nothing wrong with that.  Many of us have been on one side or the other of that sort of scenario sometime in the past.  Some of us have been on both sides at different times in our lives and we can thank God for the compassion he has put in the hearts of our friends.  But this attitude of entitlement I speak of is an entirely different thing.  The feeling that we somehow deserve compensation for doing nothing is a dangerous way of thinking and is counter to the teaching of God through his servant Paul who wrote in 2 Thessalonians 3:6-12

⁶ But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he^[a] received from us. ⁷ For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you; ⁸ nor did we eat anyone’s bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, ⁹ not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us.

¹⁰ For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. ¹¹ For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. ¹² Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread.

That is pretty clear, there is an expectation we should work and provide for ourselves and not be viewed as lazy by those around us for this is not a positive witness. 

As Seventh-Day Adventists we are very familiar with Exodus 20 Verse 8-10, its part of the fourth commandment. 

⁸ “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. ⁹ Six days you shall labor and do all your work, ¹⁰ but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates.

Rightly so we stress the seventh day Sabbath and the rest that we can enjoy by participating in it, but we sometimes forget that in addition to the command to rest the seventh day, there is a command to work the other six.  We have been created to be blessed by the labor of our hands.

But in Luke 17 Jesus is not dealing with a servant that refuses to work but rather one that expects extraordinary treatment for ordinary performance.  Some number of years ago I heard a report on the radio of a study that was completed on personal performance and self-esteem. The study included participants from different countries and cultures.  As I recall it involved a test in mathematics.  Participants were required to take the math test and then they were asked a series of questions that required them to evaluate their own perceived performance on the test.  One of the interesting conclusions that was drawn from the study was that although the American participants scored low on the math test, they gave notable higher rankings of their perceived performance. Self esteem pictures here  That is to say the Americans thought they scored much better than they actually did.  We did poorly, but felt good about ourselves.  Of course many of the Asian countries were the opposite of us, scoring near the top with poor personal perception of their performance.  As sad as it may be, we have a tendency to be like the unprofitable servant in Jesus’ parable, thinking our performance is above average, we anticipate exceptional treatment. 

As with any other parable Jesus told, the word picture he is using here is designed to illustrate a spiritual principle.  The work of the servant is code for the work we are called to do as followers of Christ.  We’ll use the remainder of our time here today to unpack this a bit.  I can see three main points we can take away from this parable, the first is very simple it is this; as followers of Christ there is an expectation that we are to work for him.  Am I stating the obvious here?  If we are followers of Christ, He has a work for us to do.  I know, I know, we are saved by his grace, not of our own works lest any man should boast.  That is true, but that is not the work I am talking about.  We are talking about post-salvation work.  When we accept the salvation that God offers through Jesus and become a Christian, we are becoming a disciple of Christ.  A disciple is one who is learning from his master how to do as he does.  Jesus had a mission while on this earth that continues on today.  That mission was, and is, saving the lost, and as His disciples, we share that mission.  I believe as a church we understand this and accept the mission.  Corporately we put quite a bit of effort into evangelism, we support world missions with our means, and rejoice when a precious soul gives their heart to the Lord and is baptized.  But what about individually, Outside of this building, when we are away from one another, standing alone?  Is that our personal mission?  Do we look at our clients, coworkers, and supervisors with the love of Christ?  Do we see the bank teller, waitress, or cashier as a soul to win to God’s kingdom?  Far too often, I am wrapped up in my own mission to get the grocery shopping done Grocery store clerk picture or complete my project and I look past those that Christ may have put in my path.  I have heard it said, and I’m certain you have too, that we should pray each morning for divine appointment, that is to pray that God will use us to reach someone for Him that day.  I think this is a great practice and I love to hear the interesting stories that some have shared as a result of praying this prayer, but I can’t help but think that God is giving us divine appointments everyday regardless of whether we ask or not and that rather than praying for more, Mother Teresa picture here perhaps we should be praying that we are selfless enough to recognize the opportunities he has already orchestrated.  I’m certain that some of you are much better at this than I am, Praise God!  So the first point, It is our obligation to work with Christ toward the salvation of souls. 

Point number 2:  Winning a soul to Christ does not get us recognition.  Don’t misunderstand, all of heaven rejoices when a sinner is saved, and it’s a great privilege to be part of the process but only Jesus deserves the recognition and praise.  The small part that we play would be empty and ineffective were it not for the power of Christ joining forces with us.  All we can really bring to the equation is a willingness to be used by Him in accomplishing His goals.  In Galatians 2:20 Paul puts it this way

²⁰ I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.       

It’s not about us.  It’s about Christ living within us.  He does it all if we allow Him to work in our lives and through us.  It feels good when somebody we’ve been studying with or working with makes a decision for Christ.  It is natural and Godly to rejoice when a sinner comes to the savior but we must not allow that feeling to transform into a sense of accomplishment that demands recognition for our efforts. 1 Corinthians 10:31 slide

Point number three:  this final point is derived from the end of verse 8 in our scripture for today, Luke 17.  We’ll read again verses 7&8.

⁷ And which of 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’? ⁸ But will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare something for my supper, and gird yourself and serve me till I have eaten and drunk, and afterward you will eat and drink’?

Does the servant get to eat and drink?  Yes, of course he does, but only at the proper time.  Point number three has to do with priorities.  The first of which is to be about the business of our master.  Christ does not expect us to deny ourselves of every pleasure and joy in life.  He created us with the ability to feel the emotion of joy.  He created beauty in the natural world, animals, plants, the majesty of the night sky, and the vast array of ocean life, all for our study and enjoyment.  Finding pleasure in relationships with friends and family is part of his plan for us too.  We were created as social beings with the need of companionship.  God is not asking that we deprive ourselves entirely of these good things.  He is only asking that we not neglect the more important work that he has entrusted to us of ministering to his flock.  Jesus himself sets the priority in Mathew 6:33 when he implores us to “seek first the kingdom of God”.  When we put God first in our lives and place his priorities above our own we will find real joy in doing His work.  You know what I’m talking about, don’t you? Changed priorities slide

A while back I was in the midst of a particularly busy time.  I had a lot going on at work, a trip I was trying to prepare for and responsibilities seemingly everywhere I looked. Desk covered with papers slide  In the middle of all of this someone’s need was made known to me that to satisfy, would require a significant amount of time that I did not have to give.  Before I go any further with this story, I just want to say, Normally, I would fail this test.  Unfortunately, it has not always been a pattern in my life to upset my own plans, obligations, and agenda to help someone else.  Sadly enough it is unusual for me to even recognize that someone has a need without it being right in front of my face.  But this particular time for one reason or another, I listened to the prompting of the Holy Spirit and reprioritized my plans further down the list, making this individuals need, God’s priority, my top priority.

Guess what happened?  Well some things slipped a bit but my previous obligations were eventually met, but more notably, I received a rich blessing, far beyond what I could have imagined by being of service to God and my fellow man.  The impact it had on me was so profound that I desired a repeat performance and that evening I told my wife, “We need to look for opportunities to be of service to someone every week.”   I wanted more of it!  I know I’m not telling you anything new.  You have experienced what I am talking about, probably more often than I have, but my point in telling you this story is this, by being of service to God, we do not miss out on all the other joys of life.  The work He has for us enriches us, it gives great joy, it builds our relationships and satisfies our human needs.  God created us, and He knows what is best for us. 

Have you ever had the experience of really looking forward to something for a long time?  Maybe it’s a vacation or a holiday, a sporting or entertainment event.  I remember looking forward to … add details about a trip.  Show vacation slide here  Whatever, but when it finally arrives, it’s kind of a letdown.  You thought it was going to be great fun, and it wasn’t bad, but it just was not all that fulfilling, a little disappointing.  Do you know what I’m talking about?  Our plans can sometimes be like that.  We think we know what is best for us but in the end, were wrong. 

My friend, God is never wrong, and he actually does have your best interest in mind when he calls you to work for Him.  Trust in the Lord slide He knows where true happiness is found, and he knows you better than you know yourself.  He will not disappoint you.  You will not regret time spent doing His work.  It is not simply an obligation but rather a calling He has designed for you.  I ask today that you would, with me, recommit your life to service, to do his will, making the gospel commission an active element in your life.  Personal Ministries is not limited to an elite group of professional Bible study leaders.  No, it is the result of giving yourself to Christ and being willing to allow Him to use you in whatever way he deems best.  I challenge you to commit to pray daily asking God to open your eyes that you might recognize the divine appointments He has scheduled for you and act on them according to His will.  He will provide all that is necessary for you to meet this commitment.  He will not disappoint you.