Unworthy servants? Did Jesus really ask us to call ourselves unworthy servants when we've been fully obedient and done our duty? Was he having a bad day? Did Peter make him mad? Some Christians around us today might respond, "I struggle with feeling unworthy already. And I don't do everything I've been asked. How am I supposed to handle this? What happened to grace?" That last question might surprise us.
Go back and read this parable in context. Luke 7:1-10.
Jesus gives the parable as part of a response to a request from the disciples. They want Jesus to increase their faith. Notice that Luke specifies the area of faith growth: the Disciples want faith to forgive. They express their honest view of forgiveness. It scandalizes them. How can one forgive someone over and over and over; even seven times? How can one uproot and send flying a mulberry tree over 30 miles into the Great Sea? Faith? Help us out Jesus.
Listen to this simple story. Servants serve their masters. They plow fields. They shepherd sheep. They wait on tables. They don't expect masters to be pleasantly surprised they obeyed.
Consider the implications. God is our Master. Forgiveness plows hearts for God's mercy. Forgiveness shepherds people in God's care. Forgiveness serves basic human needs. And, only forgiving those who come back and repent, seems unworthy of the gracious Master we serve.
Now, what happened to grace?
