taught that no human works, however perfect,
give a claim upon God, but are merely the fulfillment of duty. This truth
is set forth in the parable of the Unprofitable Servant. Vs. 7-10. The
word "unprofitable" does not mean worthless, but merely implies one who
has not gone beyond his obligation or duty. The picture is that of a slave
who has labored faithfully in the field and who when the day is done
merely continues in the evening to accomplish his appointed tasks. His
master does not show any particular gratitude to one who is doing that
which he is expected to do. He does not especially praise his servant for
doing the things commanded.

So in the case of every man, a life of the most blameless holiness and
love is no more than God requires. It is no ground on which a special
reward can be demanded. It is no reason for expecting promotion or praise.
To do less would be to neglect an obvious duty, and to do more than duty
is impossible. While this parable rebukes all pride and cuts off all merit
of works, it is nevertheless true that in other parables our Lord taught
the certainty of rewards which he is to grant faithful servants not as a
matter of compulsion on his part but in loving grace.

C. The Last Stages. Chs. 17:11 to 19:28

1. The Samaritan Leper. Ch. 17:11-19

11 And it came to pass, as they were on the way to Jerusalem, that
he was passing along the borders of Samaria and Galilee. 12 And as
he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were
lepers, who stood afar off: 13 and they lifted up their voices,
saying, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. 14 And when he saw them,
he said unto them, Go and show yourselves unto the priests. And it
came to pass, as they went, they were cleansed. 15 And one of
them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, with a loud
voice glorifying God; 16 and he fell upon his face at his feet,
giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. 17 And Jesus answering
said, Were not the ten cleansed? but where are the nine? 18 Were
there none found that returned to give glory to God, save this
stranger? 19 And he said unto him, Arise, and go thy way: thy
faith hath made thee whole.

The healing of ten lepers begins the closing cycle of incidents which
marked the last journeys of Jesus toward Jerusalem. It is quite like Luke
to record this miracle, for the chief feature of the story is the
gratitude a