“Instead, take the lowest place at the foot of the table. Then when your host sees you, he will come and say, 'Friend, we have a better place for you!' Then you will be honoured in front of all the other guests.”
- Luke 14:12
At a dinner, Jesus noticed that there were people who were eager to sit near the head of the table, where it was considered to be a place of honour. Jesus used this as an opportunity to teach about humility but it is also in line with the lessons he had been given regarding the kingdom of heaven. Throughout this book, Jesus had been trying to impart the wisdom about the kingdom of heaven: those who are considered to be first will be last, and those who are considered least will be first.
Using the situation that was unfolding before him, Jesus teaches, "For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." (Luke 14:11).
Jesus goes on to teach when we are inviting people for a meal, it should not be those who can necessarily repay or reward our invitation such as our friends, family, neighbours, and those who are rich. Instead we should seek to invite those who cannot repay us, for we will be rewarded by God at the moment of resurrection.
Reflection: Review your actions in the last year--have you only been kind to those who can repay your kindness? Have you been seeking the places of honour? If so, how can you adopt a life of more humility?
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Thank you, Karyn Lau, for this wise reminder on humility. Read more helpful Christian Bible devotionals like this one and listen to inspiring Christian songs and religious songs, beautiful Christian music, Christian instrumental music, praise and worship songs, Christian choirs, psalms, Christ songs and Bible study audiobooks.