Parable of the Servant Who Became Son

There was a certain servant in the King’s court. Although he was technically not "free" to leave the King's service (since he was a servant), he actually loved the King very much. The King had taken him in as a young man, when his family and parents had passed away, and cared for and supported him. Even when he made mistakes, the King never raised his voice toward the servant - in fact, he would usually just smile, and thank him for his help.

Because of his admiration and love, the servant took great delight in serving the King. Upon completing a task, he would return almost immediately to ask, "Master, speak your will, and I will do it." In response to this, the King would usually say, "Why, come sit with me," and they would enjoy long hours in one another's company.

As he grew to be a young man, the servant still came to the King every day saying, "Master, speak your will, and I will do it." He realized that the King's responses to this request became increasingly difficult. The King began sending him on long journeys, which often took weeks or months of difficult and dangerous travel. The boy began wondering if the King was growing tired of him, or wanted to keep him occupied so that he would not be able to remain in the palace. He almost never invited him to simply sit with him anymore; every time the boy asked what he should do, there was always some task to be completed.

Finally, the boy asked, "Sire, have I done anything to displease you?"

"Why do you ask?" said the King.

"It's just - I wish only to do your will and bidding, but it seems that these past few years it has always been something...difficult. I am happy to serve you, Master, but I also noticed that you never invite me to sit with you anymore. I thought maybe I had done something to disappoint you, or to upset you."

"And now it is time for me to ask you a question,” said the King. “Do you love me?"

"Why, of course, Master. You know that I do.”

"And have I ever treated you as my servant?" said the King.

"No, Lord - you have treated me as, well, as a son. And..." he added, gulping, "Even as a friend."

The King responded as if he had been waiting for him to speak those words. "Then when will you stop asking me what my will is for you, as if you were bound to me as my servant?"

"I don't understand, Master," said the servant. "I only wanted to please you by following your commands, and by accomplishing your will."

"My will has already been accomplished," said the King carefully and slowly, "because you love me as I love you. That is all I have ever wanted. Though you have remained determined to be my servant, I have, and do call you my son."

Overwhelmed, the servant asked, "Then... Father... what am I to do now?"

"My Kingdom, in all of its fullness, is yours," said the King. "What would you like to do, son?"

And the son realized for the first time... he had absolutely no idea. He didn't know how to live his life without relying on the King – his Father – to tell him what to do.

"I don't know. I guess it was much easier when I was a servant," said the son. "I think for now, I'd like to just sit with you for awhile."