TAKE THE LOWLY PLACE

[34]

Read Luke 14:1–24

     So He told a parable to those who were invited, when He noted how they chose the best places, Luke 14:7 NKJV

* * *

     Jesus went to eat in the house of a prominent Pharisee, where He was being carefully watched. They were hoping to find something against him, but what they didn't realize was that Jesus was watching them. What He saw was how the guests picked the places of honor at the table. (14:7 NIV)

     In His quiet and straightforward way, Jesus said, "When you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, 'Friend, move up to a better place.' Then you will be honored in the presence of all your fellow guests." (14:10 NIV) One of those at the table said to Jesus, "Blessed is the man who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God."

* * *

     Jesus went on to tell a story about all those who would make excuses not to come to that feast. The host in the story said, “Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.” "'Sir,' the servant said, 'what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.’ Then the master told his servant, 'Go out to the roads and country lanes… that my house will be full. I tell you, not one of those men who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.’'" (14:21b–24 NIV)

* * *

     Lord, thank You for inviting us to the feast You have prepared for us. Help us to give the invitation to everyone we know, regardless of their excuses. Perhaps some will believe and come.

* * *

     For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." Luke 14:11 NKJV