Luke 17:7-19 describes two separate events, yet both stories teach us about the attitudes we should have throughout life. Though, the two stories describe different attitudes for different situations, when they are taught together, they are especially instructive.
humility
Luke 17:7-10 describes a story Jesus told His disciples about the attitude of a faithful servant. Jesus expressed that the master of a servant does not tell the servant to stop his work, sit down, and eat. Rather, the master tells the servant when he comes in from working to fix the master food, change out of his dirty clothes so he will be able to serve the food more appropriately, and then, to serve the master while he eats. Only when the master has finished, can the servant eat or drink, and the master does not even thank the servant for his work.
As we hear the story, it seems to illustrate how terrible the life of a servant is, and how selfish the masters are. As Jesus continues to talk, however, we see the story is not about the hard conditions of the servant at all, but rather the complete selflessness of the servant. The story concludes by Jesus saying we should put ourselves in the position of the servant and after doing everything required of us, simply say, “We are unworthy slaves. We have done only that which we ought to have done.” We should serve our Master with complete surrender and selflessness, in humility, not expecting any thanks or special treatment for doing simply all that is commanded.
heart of gratitude
Luke 17:11-19 is not a story Jesus told, but rather one that happened. Ten lepers asked Jesus for healing, so He told them to go show themselves to the priests. As they left, they were cleansed of their disease. Only one of the ten who were healed returned to thank Jesus for healing him. Ten were healed, but only one had a heart of gratitude that made thanking Jesus priority of his life. He is the man Jesus commended whose heart attitude was right.
Separately, these stories teach us valuable lessons about different attitudes of our hearts, and how we should respond in certain situations. Together, they present to us a guide for which we should shape our lives. In every circumstance, we need to remember the supreme Lordship of Jesus over our lives. We are His servants, and our delight should be in serving Him faithfully. Our perspective should not be, “look at all the good things I am doing,” but rather, “I have only done what I should do.” Humble service should be our aim with no thought of any response. Conversely, for any and every blessing we receive, our hearts should overflow with gratitude, such that we are compelled to respond and give thanks to our great God. Nothing should prevent us from that. Our heart should be one of gratitude. Being grateful, humble, and a servant are all wonderful attributes. These stories tell us that Jesus is pleased when we can be all three. May God enable us to be Grateful, Humble, Servants.
As Lent commences on Ash Wednesday, we are entering a time of introspection and prayer leading to Easter. Let us reflect on the significance of death preceding resurrection, urging readers to embrace a daily practice of surrendering self in preparation for our spiritual transformation.