Single lesson
The Servant and His Duty
Luke 17:7–10
Jesus told a short parable about a servant finishing field work and then serving a meal. In this lesson, children will notice the question behind the parable and explain what Jesus teaches about doing our duty without demanding special praise.
Before you teach
In Luke 17:7-10, Jesus asks a series of questions about a servant who works in the field and then serves his master. The passage ends with Jesus applying the picture to his listeners, using the words “Even so you also”.
Students will be able to state that in Luke 17:7-10 Jesus teaches his followers to do what is commanded with humility, saying they have done their duty.
Welcome: What happens after work?
5 minBegin by asking children about simple jobs at home or school and what usually happens when the job is finished. Then introduce Jesus’ parable: a servant comes in after ploughing or keeping sheep. Point out that Jesus begins with a question to make listeners think carefully. Read Luke 17:7 aloud together.
Luke 17:7
Read and explain: The servant’s next task
7 minRead Luke 17:8 slowly. Explain that in the parable the servant does not stop after field work. The master tells him to prepare supper, dress properly, and serve first. Help children notice the order in the verse: work in the field, prepare the meal, serve, then eat afterward.
Luke 17:8
Discuss: Is thanks the main point?
6 minRead Luke 17:9 and ask what answer Jesus expects. The verse says the servant is not specially thanked for doing what was commanded. Explain that Jesus is not giving a lesson on table manners here. He is using an everyday example to lead to his main teaching in the next verse.
Luke 17:9
Make and respond: Duty speech bubbles
7 minChildren make a small scene, card, or speech bubble showing one part of the parable, such as a plough, sheep, a meal tray, or the sentence from verse 10. As they work, compare two responses: “I deserve extra honour” and “I have done my duty.” Ask which response matches Jesus’ teaching.
Luke 17:7, Luke 17:8, Luke 17:10
Closing: Jesus applies the parable
5 minRead Luke 17:10 together and emphasise the words “Even so you also”. Explain that this is the meaning of the parable. Jesus teaches his followers to obey humbly. Review the objective by having each child finish this sentence: “Jesus teaches that when we do what is commanded, we should say...”.
Luke 17:10
Questions to explore
What two kinds of work does the servant do before and after coming in from the field?
Look at the sequence in the parable: first he is ploughing or keeping sheep, then he prepares supper and serves before eating himself.
Luke 17:7, Luke 17:8
What answer does Jesus expect when he asks whether the servant is thanked for doing what was commanded?
Luke 17:9 gives the expected answer directly, so children can notice that Jesus is building towards a point rather than asking for new information.
Luke 17:9
How does Jesus tell his listeners to speak about themselves after doing all that is commanded?
Read the exact words in Luke 17:10 and notice that Jesus applies the parable with “Even so you also”.
Luke 17:10
Make, think or respond
Parable Scene or Duty Card
What you’ll need
- paper or cardboard
- pencils or textas
- scissors
- glue
- optional craft sticks
Try it together
- Choose one image from the parable to make: a plough, sheep, a supper table, or a servant’s speech bubble.
- Draw and cut out the object, or make a folded card with the words from Luke 17:10 on the front.
- Add one short label from the passage, such as “ploughing”, “serve me”, or “We have done our duty”.
- Show the finished object to the group and explain which part of the parable it represents.
- Compare two responses aloud: wanting special praise, or saying you have done your duty.
This activity helps children remember the order of the parable and the main teaching Jesus gives in Luke 17:10.
Adapt for your group
- For younger children, pre-draw simple shapes and let them choose one picture from the parable to colour while repeating key words from Luke 17:10.
- For older or stronger readers, ask them to sort the events of Luke 17:7-8 in order and then explain why verse 10 is the main meaning of the parable.
An optional closing prayer
Proposed words: “Lord Jesus, please help us listen to your teaching, obey with humble hearts, and remember that we are doing our duty before you. Amen.”
Read the Bible passage World English Bible Classic
Luke 17
7 But who is there among you, having a servant plowing 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.’ ”
World English Bible Classic. Public domain.