Luke 17:9 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded?

NIV: Will he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do?

NASB: He does not thank the slave because he did the things which were commanded, does he?

CSB: Does he thank that servant because he did what was commanded?

NLT: And does the master thank the servant for doing what he was told to do? Of course not.

KJV: Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not.

NKJV: Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not.

Jesus is talking to His disciples about the humility they need as future leaders in the church. They will hold high-ranking positions in the kingdom of God as evangelists and pastors—plowmen and shepherds (Luke 17:7; Ephesians 4:11). But they need to live out of their identities as God's servants. As such, they should always work humbly, without expectation of reward—or even thanks.

The words sound harsh, but the disciples' ambitions make the warning necessary. They ask who is the greatest in the kingdom; Jesus tells them if they don't take the humble character of a child, they won't even get into the kingdom (Matthew 18:1–3). They argue over who is greatest (Luke 9:46). John and James even get their mother involved (Matthew 20:20–21). Jesus responds to all the disciples, saying the Gentiles fight for power, but "it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:26–28).

Jesus lived out this humility. The night before the crucifixion, He took the position of the lowest servant and washed His disciples' feet (John 13:1–5). Paul says Jesus "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" (Philippians 2:7). Jesus—God the Son—served in all humility; the least we can do is follow His example.

The King James Version says, "Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not." "Trow" is from the Old English treowan which means to trust, believe, or hope. Modern English slang might respond with the phrase, "As if!"

Luke 17:7–10 finishes the collection of teachings about kingdom living in a fallen world. This ends as it began: with a parable. Even if we teach truth and live in faith, we still need the proper attitude. These things are the least we can do. We should not expect rewards for doing the bare minimum. Even so, this section is surrounded by accounts of Jesus' healing power, His offer of salvation, and how we can enter God's kingdom (Luke 13:10—15:32; 17:11—19:27). We do not deserve God's blessings, but He loves to bless us, nonetheless.

In his gospel, Luke has often arranged events by theme rather than by strict time order. That seems likely here with a series of teachings about living as Christ followers and ambassadors of God. Christians ought to be careful not to poison the faith of others. Faith is powerful. God's servants should not demand extravagant treatment in return. After healing ten lepers—only one of whom offers thanks—Jesus discusses the state of the world at His future second coming.

Luke 17 continues Jesus' teaching about how to live as citizens and ambassadors of the kingdom of God. Luke 15 describes God's love for the lost. Chapter 16 teaches earthly blessings are far inferior to heavenly rewards. Here, He exhorts His followers to lead well, serve humbly, give thanks, and watch for His second coming. In Luke 18, Jesus gives a series of comparisons to show how we are to approach God—as He approaches Jerusalem and the cross.

Luke was a traveling companion of Paul (Acts 16:10) and a physician (Colossians 4:14). Unlike Matthew, Mark, and John, Luke writes his gospel as an historian, rather than as a first-hand eyewitness. His extensive writings also include the book of Acts (Acts 1:1–3). These are deliberately organized, carefully researched accounts of those events. The gospel of Luke focuses on the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. Luke's Gentile perspective presents Christ as a Savior for all people, offering both forgiveness and direction to those who follow Him.