February 18, 2020
Just Doing Our Duty
Luke 17:1-19
Brian Buchek
Central Truth
God owes us nothing. Everything we receive from Him is because of His goodness and grace.
Key Verse | Luke 17:10
"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.'"
Luke 17:1-19
Temptations to Sin
1 And he said to his disciples, “Temptations to sin 1 17:1 Greek Stumbling blocks are sure to come, but woe to the one through whom they come! 2 It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin. 2 17:2 Greek stumble 3 Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, 4 and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.”
Increase Our Faith
5 The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” 6 And the Lord said, “If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.
Unworthy Servants
7 Will any one of you who has a servant 3 17:7 Or bondservant; also verse 9 plowing or keeping sheep say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come at once and recline at table’? 8 Will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare supper for me, and dress properly, 4 17:8 Greek gird yourself and serve me while I eat and drink, and afterward you will eat and drink’? 9 Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded? 10 So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; 5 17:10 Or bondservants we have only done what was our duty.’”
Jesus Cleanses Ten Lepers
11 On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. 12 And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, 6 17:12 Leprosy was a term for several skin diseases; see Leviticus 13 who stood at a distance 13 and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” 14 When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. 15 Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; 16 and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. 17 Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? 18 Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19 And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.” 7 17:19 Or has saved you
Dive Deeper | Luke 17:1-19
Jesus has much instructive teaching for His disciples in this section of Luke 17. Let's zero in on how He describes the right attitude of those who follow Him. After teaching that a disciple should always be willing to forgive someone (Luke 17:3-4), and then connecting our faith to our willingness and ability to forgive (Luke 17:5-6), Jesus tells a parable to highlight the truth that when we're obeying Him—whether forgiving others or following any command—our attitude should always show humility and a sense of our unworthiness. He says it is simply our "duty" to walk in humble obedience. While God is gracious in giving fullness of life to believers now as well as rewards in eternity, He is not obligated to give us anything. To say it another way, He owes us nothing. Everything is grace!
When you read about the attitude of the unworthy servant, don't mistakenly believe you are so sinful and unworthy of love that you cannot be forgiven or loved by God. That's a lie the enemy always wants people to believe, and it's completely contrary to the gospel. No, you are so loved and cherished by God that while you were yet a wicked sinner intent on rebellion against Him, Christ died for you (Romans 5:8).
Unfortunately, much of the time I don't view my past or present sin nearly as vile as it is. When viewed accurately, my sin puts Christ's death in proper context. But knowing my constant need for grace is the key to maintaining the humble attitude Jesus described in today's key verse. How sad that even my most faithful moments are marred by selfish motives. As 19th century pastor J.C. Ryle said in his revered work Holiness, "How true it is, that the holiest saint is in himself a miserable sinner, and a debtor to mercy and grace to the last moment of his existence!"
Stay humble, friend, with a proper view of both the vileness of your sin and God's enduring kindness in forgiving you. Daily applying Philippians 2:3-5 and Isaiah 66:2 will be a great help.
Discussion Questions
1. Would those who know you well say you are humbly doing your duty as a Christ-follower? You might be a humble person, but not diligently obeying or giving your life to the mission. Alternatively, you might be doing your duty but are prideful about it. Ask someone in your community today for feedback.
2. Take a few minutes to consider all the ways God has shown grace and kindness to you throughout your life. Ephesians 1:3-14 is a great place to start. Admit that you didn't earn any of it, and then praise Him for His goodness.
3. What sinful attitudes do you need to confess and repent from today? Perhaps you expect God to bless your faithfulness with health or wealth. Maybe you want some recognition for years of service or generosity. Recognize that each of these desires is based on wrong beliefs about God and what we think He owes us.
4. Read Hebrews 6:10. How does that truth relate to God's grace toward our service for Him?