We are unprofitable servants; we have only done what we were obligated to do. ‘What about us? We have left everything and followed you, is there something reserved for us?’ Peter had asked Jesus in one occasion (cf. Mark 10:28). Although the content of today’s Gospel passage is not immediately related to, or an answer to Peter’s question, there appears to be some kind of connection between them. Given as part of a series of instruction as Jesus journeys to Jerusalem, Jesus appears to direct today’s instruction to his disciples. These men and women had ‘invested’ in Jesus and in his cause. Not only were they spending more time with Jesus, but some among them were even providing for Jesus and his ministry from their own resources (cf. Luke 8:1-3). Naturally, they might have felt they were entitled to something (whatever it was) more than the others were. They might have even demonstrated such a feeling in one or two of their ‘idle’ conversations. Jesus acknowledged and appreciated their contribution, and he let them know this. However, they needed not to feel or act as shareholders. ‘ You have done what was yours to do. You have exercised your rights and responsibilities as members of this group. It is this that you signed for when you accepted out of your own volition to join me. Yes, you have given a lot, and for that I am grateful. And I ask you to continue doing as you have done, not because you expect something, but because you are obligated to do so.’