Luke 14: 1, 7-14
One Sabbath, when Jesus went to eat in the house of a prominent Pharisee, he was being carefully watched.
When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this parable: “When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited. If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, ‘Give this man your seat.’ Then humiliated, you will have to take the least important place. But when you were 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. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Then Jesus said to the host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
A Thought
God expects each of us to be willing to serve him and others in humility. Jesus had just asked the distinguished guests at the house of a prominent Pharisee if it was lawful to heal on the Sabbath. They had no answer to give. Could it be in this story Jesus is teaching us to be more concerned for others than our own social status? If we must compare ourselves to someone, be sure it’s Jesus. Remember, when we give in humility to others who cannot repay, we are building up treasure in heaven.
Our Prayer
Father help us to do good for others not to be seen of mankind but to see the needs of others and to give not expecting anything in return. Help us to be humble with a boldness to do what is right. Teach us how to be your servant, always trusting you. We ask in Jesus name, amen.
