Luke 14:7-11 – Humility positions one for promotion

The Pharisees were well known for their love for places of honour. Whether in the synagogue or wedding banquet or celebration, they would always seek the first place. Here at the same meal that Jesus was attending, He noticed that some of them were picking out the places of honour at the table. So Jesus in Luke 14:7-11, sets out to address this flaw. Luke called this a parable. It was both a gentle rebuke and an advice to the Pharisees.

As guests, Jesus told them, they should not go for the most honoured seat at a wedding dinner. The reason is simple. The seat may have been reserved for someone else. When that someone arrived, the seat would have to be vacated for him. If one happens to sit on it, he would be asked to vacate it for the intended guest. It would then be an embarrassment for one to be told publicly that the place was not meant for him. Hence, it's always better to go for a less conspicuous seat. So that when the host moves you up to a better seat, you will be greatly honoured in the sight of the people.

In whatever sphere of life, self-importance and self-promotion invariably leads to shame instead of honour. Loss of face brings shame. If one chooses the lowest place, that person couldn't fall any further down. In fact, a person opens himself up for honour when he gets invited to a better seat. Self-importance would often exert itself and cause one to unconsciously assume one's right and entitlement. We need to bear in mind that it's the host who always has the prerogative to decide who sits where at a dinner table. Wouldn't it look better when one is invited from a lower position to a more honoured one?

Jesus’ point is this: No one can snatch honour from the hand of God. It is His to give to whomever He deems fit. To ruthlessly snatches it may lead one to embarrassment at the dreadful moment of demotion. Hence it is futile to assume a position other than the one that one deserves.  It's always better to start low. He then summed up by saying in verse 11, "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” God is the one who deserves all the rights to promote a person. If we humble ourselves before Him, we open up the possibility of being exalted by Him. If we grasp at a position ruthlessly, we may experience the shame of being demoted.

Humility is a rare commodity. Among the best of us, there are always moments where we try to look good in the eyes of others. Be sure to live for the audience of one - God Himself. There is no necessity for self-promotion. It's in our weakness that His strength is made perfect. Let's seek to glorify and magnify Him above all else.