“Take the lowest place”

Read Luke 14:1-14

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Jesus was invited to “the house of a prominent Pharisee”, not to honour him but once again to try and catch him out about Sabbath observance (1-2). For the fourth time in Luke, Jesus insisted that it can’t be wrong to do good to people on the Sabbath, especially as they’d be willing to care for animals (3-6; 6:1-5; 6:9-11; 13:10-17).

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This challenge to their legalistic view threatened their control over the people and with it their honour and esteem (Mt.23:5-7). That desire for honour was also shown by the guests at the meal vying for the high-status seats. So Jesus told a parable to address that (7-11). He wasn’t just giving some advice on how to avoid disgrace (cf. Prov.25:6-7) – rather, that advice illustrates a key spiritual principle about humility (11).

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The same truth is taught in another parable (Lk.18:14; 1 Pet.5:6) and echoes his teaching that “the greatest among you must be your servant” (Mt.23:11-12; Mk.9:35; 10:43-44). For Jesus, exaltation came via humbling himself, and so it is for us too (Phil.2:3-11). His followers are not to seek prominence but to serve others humbly, particularly by doing good to those who cannot repay it (12-14; Lk.6:32-36).