In other words, our faith increases when we realize the true extent of the servant/master relationship. While modern readers, who accept an employer/ employee relationship but see demeaning elements in a master/servant relationship, may wince at this parable, Jesus simply accepts this dynamic of his culture and uses its commonness to teach a point. And obviously, the disciples understood: A servant receives benefits for fulfilling his obligations, but fulfilling those obligations is one’s duty, it is not exceptional.
These two parables of unprofitable servants and masters have complementary meanings in the two scriptures. Jesus is teaching his apostles how to increase their faith. Benjamin is teaching his people about the abundant grace of the eternal master. In both cases, it is the nature of the depicted relationship that models our relationship with God.