Lesson 48L Invitation to a Wedding. Luke 14:7- 24

Parable of the Wedding Feast 14:7- 11

English Standard Version (Chapter 14)

7 Now he told a parable to those who were invited, when he noticed how they chose the places of honor, saying to them, 8 “When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in a place of honor, lest someone more distinguished than you be invited by him, 9 and he who invited you both will come and say to you, ‘Give your place to this person,’ and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place. 10 But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you. 11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

We have another parable, and it goes against what was happening when the Scribes and Pharisees went out own the town. They were masters of self promotion. This is not a “Jesus gimmick” for advancing up the social ladder. It is Jesus telling us that a false presentation of yourself to others does not guarantee success in society's special circles or in heavens eyes. Let others and or leaders judge where you need to be. Your opinion may be overly or under inflated. Here’s what Warren Wiersbe had to say about his passage:

The Bible Exposition Commentary (Chapter Thirteen: The Man Who Came to Dinner (Luke 14))

“In New Testament times, the closer you sat to the host, the higher you stood on the social ladder and the more attention (and invitations) you would receive from others. Naturally, many people rushed to the “head table” when the doors were opened because they wanted to be important.

This kind of attitude betrays a false view of success. “Try not to become a man of success,” said Albert Einstein, “but try to become a man of value.” While there may be some exceptions, it is usually true that valuable people are eventually recognized and appropriately honored. Success that comes only from self-promotion is temporary, and you may be embarrassed as you are asked to move down.”

We can be sure this can be applied in all areas of life. Consider Jeremiah’s words to his helper in ministry in Jeremiah 45, verses 2-5:

English Standard Version (Chapter 45)

Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, to you, O Baruch: 3 You said, ‘Woe is me! For the LORD has added sorrow to my pain. I am weary with my groaning, and I find no rest.’ 4 Thus shall you say to him, Thus says the LORD: Behold, what I have built I am breaking down, and what I have planted I am plucking up—that is, the whole land. 5 And do you seek great things for yourself? Seek them not, for behold, I am bringing disaster upon all flesh, declares the LORD. But I will give you your life as a prize of war in all places to which you may go.”

Baruch is being reproved by God for being depressed about his future. The Lord himself has no pleasure in the misdeeds and evil that has come upon Israel and more is yet to come. In not seeking great things for himself, he should consider himself fortunate that he has emerged with his life, out of the mess they were in. You will not see that advice very often, even in Bible believing circles for a person to not seek great things for ourselves. But here we have it what do we do with it? We are a society that wants the best seats and we seek the greater things. But God is saying “Not so fast!” Is this a better thing or a better seat at the table, really the thing that the Lord Jesus wants for you? It is a message of humility in a world of pride.

If you have a taste for the chiefest seats and the greatest things, you are not in bad company. Winston Churchill has been said to have quoted, “I am a man of simple tastes - I am easily satisfied with the best.” You might call that humility with high standards. At issue, is this, “does our position distract from what God is trying to do in our life?” That is why it is better for others to lift you up to your desired position than to barge in and take what is not yours. We trust God and He will meet our needs. Let’s face it, if pride comes before a fall, then we need to make sure that our opinion on where we need to be or sit where we should is squarely in the will of God.

The Parable of the Big Banquet 14: 12-14

English Standard Version (Chapter 14)

12 He said also to the man who had invited him, “When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return and you be repaid. 13 But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14 and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.”

Most people do not think about their wedding list in terms of people who cannot afford to come but would really enjoy themselves. Jesus is saying if you throw a banquet, please invite the neediest around. For instance, you should invite the poor, the crippled, the lame and the blind. You will receive back from this gesture at the resurrection of the just. Think again, wedding and party lists are going to be under scrutiny at the resurrection of the “just.” Just is meaning “righteous, or upright.” It seems that we would be amiss to not invite family, but that is the very people Jesus says to not invite. He plainly said, do not invite friends or brothers, relatives or rich neighbors. The reason is that they can reciprocate. That is just not a flashy way to dance. It is something benefiting greatly from an event that you institute. I think it can be viewed as a pay-it-forward gesture.

I would say that not many people have taken heed to these instructions over the years. Relatives and rich neighbors are prime candidates to be courted when it comes to favors and fund-raising. Why not invite them to your get-to-gether? Networking is a national past time for any type of individual who is involved in business and social organizations looking for potential sponsors and helpers. You have been involved in networking even if you didn’t realize it. Jesus says the real action is not in this world but in the eternal. Paybacks by Jesus are really out of this world!

Perhaps if we got our friends, brothers, relatives, and rich neighbors to serve the poor, crippled and blind guests at a banquet or dinner, it would be a “win win” situation. Yes, this is very humbling to change one’s perspective on official gatherings but more Scriptures tell of the rewards:

“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord and He shall lift you up.” James 4:10.

“For whosoever exalts himself shall be abased; and he that humbles himself shall be exalted” Luke 14:11.

“Likewise you younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be clothed with humility: for God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: casting all you care upon Him; for He cares for you.” I Peter 5:5- 7.

I believe humility takes work. And, humility usually works. That is, it puts shoe leather to the trail, loads dishes in the dishwater, sweeps floors, pours the coffee at tables and maybe even cleans toilets although they may feel it’s just not for them, but they do it anyway. Here’s a perspective I believe applies to today:

Luke (Jesus Teaches About Seeking Honor / 14:7–14 / 156)

Who, then, are the humble people? Unfortunately, some people try to give the appearance of humility in order to manipulate others. Still others think that humility means putting themselves down. Truly humble people compare themselves only with Christ, realize their sinfulness, and understand their limitations. They also recognize their gifts and strengths and are willing to use them as Christ directs. Humility is not self-degradation; it is realistic assessment and commitment to serve.

Today is a day to serve our Lord Jesus Christ with honor, knowing that putting others first will provide a plain victorious path in Christ’s kingdom.