Read: Luke 14:1-14
Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. (v. 11)
Have you ever been to a dinner where you felt like you were under special scrutiny? Maybe it was at a restaurant with your boss, or the first time you met your future in-laws. Whenever it happens, it can be very uncomfortable! Jesus was invited to dinner at a Pharisee’s home, and it was evident that his enemies were watching him closely. But Jesus was observing them as well and would share his thoughts before the meal was finished.
The Pharisees had invited Jesus in order to put him “under a microscope,” but instead Jesus observed their own lack of compassion, understanding, and humility. They were hard-hearted towards the man with dropsy (probably edema), and almost dared Jesus to heal him on the Sabbath—which, of course, Jesus did. The Pharisees jockeyed for positions of honor at the feast, and Jesus reminded them of the Scripture that encouraged seeking the lowest places of honor, so as to be exalted later by the host (Prov. 25:6-7). Jesus then gave a lesson in kingdom hospitality to his host, urging him to invite the poor and disabled to his feast—those who could not repay him. The host’s reward would be eternal.
At the heart of the Pharisees’ pride was their belief that they alone were righteous in God’s eye. Jesus will challenge that belief as we continue in this passage tomorrow. Their pride in their own righteousness stood in the way of their salvation.
As you pray, ask God for a truly humble spirit.
About the Author
Laura Sweet
Laura N. Sweet is a wife, mother, grandmother, and former Christian school teacher from Midland, Michigan. She writes devotional material for both adults and children, and her work has appeared in more than a dozen publications.
