Jesus had just spoken to the disciples about the amazing things that happen when a person exercises faith (Luke 17:6).  Then He brought His disciples 'down to earth' with a jolt, with a parable which is the antidote to sentimentality or spiritual pride.  Their desire to have more faith (Luke 17:5) was really a hunger for more power (Mark 10:35-37) – dramatically described in the narrative about Simon the Sorcerer (Acts 8:9-24)

It is true that all who have been born into the kingdom of God are special (Psalm 17:8) and have a relationship as sons with the Father (John 1:12): but it is also true that we are servants called to obey His commands (Luke 14:21-22).  Sentimentally it is easy to assume that we can ignore God's commands because we are so special, and God will not object because He loves us.  Or we can proudly assume that the wonder of our faith-works are a testimony to our own goodness, holiness or power (Matthew 7:21-23).  Neither is true!  

Jesus said that a master employs a servant to do a certain amount of work for a fixed sum of money.  Strictly defined, the master/servant relationship does not have to include any other favours, rewards or even thanks.  Servants who fulfil their contracts should be satisfied with the agreed payment and not look for 'bonus payments'.  To serve as commanded brings its own consolation: the satisfaction of a job well done.  The apostles would have many such experiences, working hard in evangelism and discipleship without thanks and no earthly reward (2 Corinthians 11:23-28).  Their temptation, and ours, is to claim the crown before taking up our cross daily to follow Jesus (Luke 9:23).

Naturally most of us love to live without strain.  But there is an essential creative tension in our relationship with the Lord.  We are 100% His servants, under His command and expected to fulfil whatever duty He gives us: we are also 100% His children.  To ignore either is to fail in our bond with our Lord.  Both are essential.  Sometimes believers feel they need more faith for great works of power.  But this parable shows that we also need great faith to continue to obey the Lord despite no encouragement, no obvious 'results' and no thanks.  For most of us, most of the time, faith is worked out in the routines of everyday life, caring for children, working to provide for the home, respecting older family members, courageously maintaining integrity amid corruption, and serving the gospel with a single-minded and selfless passion.  It is the test of true servanthood which was modelled to us by Jesus Christ Himself (Mark 10:45).  So, start practising your faith gladly in the routine duties of life, for Christ's sake – even if there is no immediate recognition or even thanks.