Albert Barnes Commentary Luke 17:10

"Even so ye also, when ye shall have done all the things that are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants; we have done that which it was our duty to do." — Luke 17:10 (ASV)

Are unprofitable servants. We have conferred no favor. We have merited nothing. We have not benefited God or laid him under obligation. If he rewards us, it will be a matter of unmerited favor. This is true in relation to Christians in the following respects:

1. Our services are not profitable to God (Job 22:2); he does not need our aid, and his essential happiness will not be increased by our efforts.
2. The grace to do his will comes from him only, and all the praise of that will be due to him.
3. All that we do is our duty; we cannot lay claim to having rendered any service that will bind him to show us favor.
4. Our best services are mingled with imperfections. We come short of his glory (Romans 3:23); we do not serve him as sincerely, and cheerfully, and faithfully as we ought; we are far, very far from the example set us by the Savior; and if we are saved and rewarded, it will be because God will be merciful to our unrighteousness, and will remember our iniquities no more (Hebrews 8:12).