Good for nothing. Pretty harsh words when used of someone else. Considered by our culture to be especially inappropriate, self-harming words when used of ourselves.

Good for nothing. That’s the literal translation of the Greek word achreios — a word used only once in the New Testament; a word used by Jesus. And that’s what the CSB went with when it was first published, good for nothing. In the 2017 edition of the CSB, the edition I’m reading, the keepers of the translation “softened it” to worthless (not all that soft, really). In the current edition of the CSB, they’ve aligned to the ESV and NIV using the word unworthy. The NKJV may be the least offensive to the ear by using the word unprofitable. Pick any of those words you want, says Jesus through the Spirit this morning, and then own it.

“In the same way, when you have done all that you were commanded, you should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we’ve only done our duty.’ ” ~ Jesus

(Luke 17:10 CSB)

We are unworthy servants. That, says Jesus to His disciples, is what His disciples should say about themselves.

Context? Doing what we are commanded to do? Context? The disciples asking for more faith to do what we are commanded to do (Lk. 17:5). Context? Jesus commanding His followers to forgive a brother who has repented after sinning against them. And to forgive again, even that same day, if he does it again and repents again. And again, in the same day. And again, in the same day. And again, in the same day. And again, in the same day. And again, in the same day.

“And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and comes back to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.” ~ Jesus

(Luke 17:4 (CSB)

Really? Sounds kind of “enabling” to me. Yeah, really. Sounds kind of like kingdom living to Jesus.

Actually, it sounds like how our gracious Father through His loving Son has forgiven us (1Jn. 1:9). And we are commanded to “be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ” (Eph. 4:32).

Then Lord, increase our faith.

Nah, says Jesus, even if all you got is a mustard seed’s worth, you have enough faith to uproot great trees and plant them in the sea if you have faith in Me (Lk. 17:6). It’s not the quantity of your faith but the quality — and I’m the quality. You simply (not easily, necessarily) need to exercise your faith. And faith that can uproot trees is sufficient to forgive a brother who has sinned against you again and again and has repented again and again. It’s even enough faith to overcome the pride and hardness of heart that would keep you from forgiving your brother. So do it. And when you’ve done all that you were commanded, you should say, “I’m just an unworthy servant doing my duty.”

Hmm . . . Chew on that.

Forgiving isn’t about how I feel, it’s about my faith. I forgive, not just so I will come out better, but because I believe it is commanded.

Should I expect a pat on the back afterward? Apparently not. I’m just doing my duty.

But forgiving is about how I see myself. Someone owed something by someone else? Or someone who owes Jesus everything? Justified to withhold forgiveness? Or, justified by the Lamb’s precious blood shed on a cruel cross — just like those who sin against me? A big deal in the church? Or, a bondservant of Jesus?

. . . you should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we’ve only done our duty.’

Unworthy servants saved by grace.

Unworthy servants seeking to live by faith, in His power, for His glory.