“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Luke 14:11
Yet again, Jesus is having a conversation over a meal, and yet again, much of the conversation centers upon meals. In this case, He speaks of a familiar setting to us—a wedding feast. Have you ever sat somewhere, only to be asked to move because the seat belonged to someone more important? I have … and it’s embarrassing!
When you go to a wedding feast, you don’t sit at the head table. If you do, the Master of Ceremonies will come over and respectfully give you the boot. Instead, you should sit among the other guests. Who knows? Maybe your old friend who is getting married will see you, be delighted at the reunion, and bring you closer to the festivities.
Jesus’ point is this: we should not exalt ourselves, or we surely will be humbled; but if we humble ourselves, we will be exalted. It’s practical advice and more because Jesus did exactly this. Though He deserved exaltation, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death on a cross. Therefore, God exalted Him and gave Him the name above every name (see Philippians 2:9).
When you go to a wedding feast, you don’t sit at the head table. If you do, the Master of Ceremonies will come over and respectfully give you the boot. Instead, you should sit among the other guests. Who knows? Maybe your old friend who is getting married will see you, be delighted at the reunion, and bring you closer to the festivities.
Jesus’ point is this: we should not exalt ourselves, or we surely will be humbled; but if we humble ourselves, we will be exalted. It’s practical advice and more because Jesus did exactly this. Though He deserved exaltation, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death on a cross. Therefore, God exalted Him and gave Him the name above every name (see Philippians 2:9).
Scripture Focus
Luke 14:1-11
Insight
The feast of feasts belongs to the humble because the host humbled Himself for you.
Bible In A Year
- Genesis 37-38
- Psalm 19
- Matthew 27