Faith and Service

Luke 17: 5-10 (October 3, 2010)

1) The Text

5The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” 6The Lord replied, “If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you. 7“Who among you would say to your slave who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field, ‘Come here at once and take your place at the table’? 8Would you not rather say to him, ‘Prepare supper for me, put on your apron and serve me while I eat and drink; later you may eat and drink’? 9Do you thank the slave for doing what was commanded? 10So you also, when you have done all that you were ordered to do, say, ‘We are worthless slaves; we have done only what we ought to have done!’”

2) The Context

Luke’s travel narrative, 9:51-19:27, is a loosely-constructed section that has the symbolic value of a journey in Christian discipleship. The following themes in 17:1-10 have particular relevance for the post-resurrection community: not causing others to stumble (vv. 1-2) forgiveness (vv. 3-4), faith (vv. 5-6), and humility in serving (vv. 7-10).

The passage on faith follows the counsel on unlimited forgiveness, but the apostles’ plea in verse 5 may be a response to the seemingly unattainable standard Jesus sets. There is ambiguity also in their request: the phrase translated as "increase our faith" can also be rendered "give us faith." The ambiguity is reinforced by the odd grammar of verse 6, which begins in such a way as to assume that they have faith (literally, "if you have faith"), but ends with a construction that suggests the contrary ("you could say…"). However, the general thrust of the saying in verse 6 is clear: it is an exaggerated way of saying that even a little faith can accomplish wonders. The ambiguity, nevertheless, leaves open the question of whether Jesus’ reply is a rebuke to the effect that the disciples do not even have the minimal faith to be compared to a mustard seed!

This passage has parallels in Matthew 17:20, Matthew 21:21, and Mark 11:22-23, although in all these cases a mountain replaces the mulberry tree. Also in 1 Corinthians 13:2 Paul mentions faith strong enough to "remove mountains." We thus have a tangled history of tradition here that is difficult to reconstruct, but the variations show the importance of the theme of the power of faith in the early church.

The second passage, verses 7-10, is a parable that begins with a rhetorical question and ends with an application directed toward Jesus’ followers. The point is clear: as a slave owes service to the master and therefore is not entitled to thanks, so they should perform their service humbly, with a sense of their own unworthiness, rather than in expectation of special reward.

3) Interpretation

We enter the world of slavery and servitude. You don’t treat slaves as equals; you treat them as subordinates and so they should be! Don’t thank them. Their role is to serve you. The problem is that we may assume that many who heard Luke’s story would have nodded their heads in agreement. This is all very odd and seems to have more to do with what the gospel of Jesus was trying to counter than what it was trying to promote. We are perhaps more conditioned to think differently, but these have been dominant values throughout much of Christian history.

The effect of the story on most hearers of the day would have been to win wholehearted agreement, especially among those who had power or who saw, having power and control over others as a goal, even if they couldn’t achieve it. But, then comes verse 10. It turns the prejudice back on the hearer: so you, when you have done all you needed to do, don’t make special claims! You have done only what ought to have been expected! The sudden shift would have been unsettling, shocking. So the story works by subverting the self satisfaction of the superiors. It brings everyone down to the same level. It deconstructs hierarchy.

It debunks the idea that we achieve value by achieving the good, as though we deserve a bonus for being decent, caring human beings. It does not let us play the game. We can’t claim: you ought to love me, because look at how good I am! Look at what I have done! The passage is probably deliberately offensive in flooring aspirations to human worth based on achievement capital.

What is our value if it is not in what we achieve? This is a question which goes to the heart of being human. It is crucial for us all, particularly crucial for those who are able to achieve little, whether through disability linked to illness, age or constitution. When we make achievement the measure of worth, some people will come out very low on the scale. Jesus’ comments subvert that system. Not so long ago in Luke, Jesus was telling us a stories about the stock God seeks and the currency God values in response to criticism that he was mixing it with the worthless. Jesus was doing theology with human intuition and compassion, suggesting God is like a caring parent, who never ceases to love. We are valued because of who we are. The more we become convinced of that the less we need to play the other game and the less it will matter. Then, the less we are preoccupied with making ourselves deserving the more value we can give to others, the more energy and time we have for others.

Did Luke have a sense of humor when he placed the saying about transplanting trees before this theme? How can the proverbial tiny mustard seed effect change? It is not about vegetating the sea, but about encouraging seemingly impossible visions. In part it is about thinking outside the square. Things do not have to be the way they are. It is also about assertion against what appear to be overwhelming odds. Change is possible. Seeds of hope and change are scattered here and there. Mountains wait to be moved. The world does not need prized achievements so much as an assertion of humanity, of being what we are made to be and reflecting in that the true image and glory of God.

4) Thought Exercise

What is the connection between faith and service?

Can we work on both faith and service?