Knowing The Word in Luke 14:7-11

The Parable of the Wedding Feast

14:7 Now he told a parable to those who were invited, when he noticed how they chose the places of honor, saying to them, 8 “When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in a place of honor, lest someone more distinguished than you be invited by him, 9 and he who invited you both will come and say to you, ‘Give your place to this person,’ and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place. 10 But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you. 11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Comments

Jesus basically told the people in this parable that if you want to be high, start low. When we put ourselves in a place of more importance than others, be prepared to be put in your proper place. This parable is ultimately about Jesus and the cross. He is the “highest” human being ever to live ,and yet he put himself in the lowest position while others fought over being in the highest. God ultimately exalted him to his right hand.

Application

This parable is an excellent example of Jesus’ teachings on servant leadership. It begins with understanding who we are in relationship to others. If we put ourselves before others, it tells a lot about us. Reread verse 11 above. Do you really believe what Jesus said?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, correct me when I place myself ahead of others that I may be like you are.