Parable of the Master and Servant: Verse, Meaning & Lesson

The Parable of the Master and Servant is in Luke 17:7–10. Jesus told this parable to convey that when someone has done what God expects, they are merely fulfilling their duty and should not be boastful or prideful for obeying Him.

This guide gives you a complete summary of the Parable of the Master and Servant, including the verses in Scripture, the meaning, and lessons that can be applied to the Christian life.

Parable of the Master and Servant In Scripture

Luke 17:7–10 – Parable of the Master and Servant

⁷ But who is there amongst you, having a servant ploughing or keeping sheep, that will say when he comes in from the field, ‘Come immediately and sit down at the table’? ⁸ Wouldn’t he rather tell him, ‘Prepare my supper, clothe yourself properly, and serve me while I eat and drink. Afterward you shall eat and drink’? ⁹ Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded? I think not. ¹⁰ Even so you also, when you have done all the things that are commanded you, say, ‘We are unworthy servants. We have done our duty.’ ”

Read Luke 17

Parable of the Master and Servant Meaning

This parable means that true servitude to God involves humble obedience without expectation of reward. Jesus used this metaphor to illustrate that fulfilling one’s duty to God is the natural responsibility of a servant to their master.

The message suggests that even the best of God’s servants are still unworthy because they have only done their duty and no more. No one, no matter how virtuous or hardworking, can ever put God in their debt. The parable uses the relationship between a master and a servant to illustrate that we should not be boastful or prideful in doing what we should have been doing all along, which is obeying God. Instead, we should be humble and recognize that we are only doing what we were meant to do.

Parable of the Master and Servant Lessons

Obedience is our duty

A key lesson is that as followers of Christ, Christians accept God as their Sovereign Creator. No matter one’s earthly status, in the grand scheme of the universe, we are all servants of God, and obedience to Him is our duty.

Service without expectation

The parable teaches that service to God should be carried out without the expectation of reward or thanks. It is a reminder to serve humbly and faithfully, recognizing that serving God is a privilege.

Humility in service

Christians are called to serve with humility, understanding that they are not above their duty to God. This means not seeking praise or recognition for doing what is expected as God’s servants.

The challenge of discipleship

Following Christ is not easy, and the parable acknowledges that discipleship can be challenging. However, it also reassures that Jesus understands our struggles and that perseverance in faith is worthwhile.

Beware of self-importance

Another important lesson of the parable is that it warns against the temptation to elevate one’s importance in relation to God. It encourages believers to maintain a perspective that keeps God’s sovereignty and their own servanthood in proper balance. As Christians, we should show obedience, humility, and the right attitude towards service to God.

Summary of the Parable of the Master and Servant

We hope you enjoyed this summary of the Parable of the Master and Servant.

As you discovered, the Parable of the Master and Servant appears in Luke 17:7–10. And the primary meaning of the parable is that rue servitude to God involves humble obedience without expectation of reward. The life lessons include obedience as our duty as Christians, serving without expectation, showing humility in service, discipleship can be challenging, and beware of self-importance.