SCRIPTURE: Luke 17 

KEY POINTS TO PONDER: We all love special gifts and treatment from our boss or teacher or the company we work for, but to ask it of them seems a bit presumptuous, doesn’t it? In verses 7-10 Jesus references the relationship between a servant and a master. In these verses Jesus isn’t saying that servants shouldn’t get any special gifts or good treatment, but that servants are hired to serve and shouldn’t expect to be treated just like a master. We need to be careful not to fall into this trap as Christians. Sometimes we may say to God, “I am going to serve you, Lord!” when what we really mean is “I’ll serve you God, but I need money, great friends, a good reputation, etc…” That’s not the deal! When we make a decision to follow and serve God, we need to be aware that no matter how many hours and years we serve, God still owes us nothing and every blessing from him isn’t something we’re entitled to but a gift from him. Recognizing this will stop us from running around trying to “earn” God’s blessing and will free us to serve God in sincerity and thankfulness instead of entitlement. A true servant response should be that of the Samaritan’s in verse 

16; true gratitude for what God has done for us. 

CHALLENGING TERMS: When the disciples ask for a faith increase in verses 5-6, Jesus’ response can sometimes be misinterpreted. Jesus isn’t saying here that the disciples necessarily have faith that is smaller than a mustard seed, he isn’t saying “You guys DO need more faith!” What he is saying is that faith needs to be accompanied by a willingness to act. You can’t expect more faith without even stepping out with the faith you have already. Paul Borgman, in his commentary “The Way According to Luke” summarizes Jesus’ words in this way: “You have enough faith for the job. Just exercise the faith you have in doing the right thing; add willingness to the existing faith.” (Page 152). 

REFLECTION: Is there a time when you’ve felt entitled to God’s blessings? What would it look like to choose thankfulness over entitlement? 

PRAYER: Jesus, thank you that we have received the ultimate gift from you; eternal life in heaven with you. Father, take away areas of pride and entitlement in my heart and instead fill those with areas of thankfulness and willingness.