Luke 14:1-14

V. Live in humility, Luke 14:1-35.

This section, as did the previous one, begins with a Sabbath healing (cf. 13:10-17).  The previous situation revealed the hypocrisy of the synagogue Ruler; he had not entered the Kingdom of God through the narrow gate.  This one (14:1-6) reveals the arrogance of the religious leaders.  They said nothing when Jesus posed His question, thus hiding their hypocrisy.  They refused to be accountable.  Jesus’ teaching defines the situation.  His teaching is the reason we know that the issue is one of pride.

Jesus’ words address two sides to the issue, both illustrated at the scene in the house of the ruler of the Pharisees (v7).  So Jesus speaks to those who came to the feast who had sought out the best places, those closest to the front perhaps or in some position of prominence.  Jesus illustrates their foolish pride, pointing out that seeking the best place may set you up for an embarrassing situation.  You may be sent to the back of the room when someone else comes in who is a closer friend or more important person than you are.

Jesus also applies the truth to the Pharisee who organized the dinner.  Jesus said that there is no eternal reward (i.e. no recognition from God) when you invite all the popular or easy people to dinner.  This, of course, was common.  As it is today, so in Israel among the Pharisees, you always wanted to have the best or greatest or most important people on your guest list.  Their presence made you look better.  But Jesus says the opposite (how often have we seen that).  

The fundamental issue is in v11 where we see a universal principle in the Kingdom of God.  This is how God operates in every age and life.  He exalts the humble and humbles the exalted.  Let us consider this principle that we might understand how consistent, how faithful God is in ruling His Kingdom by it.

• ·        Luke 1:51: It is why Mary was chosen to give birth to the Messiah.
• ·        Lk 18:14: It is why the publican’s prayer was heard and the Pharisee’s wasn’t.
• ·        1 Sam. 15:17: It is why Saul was rejected as King.
• ·        Job 40:10-12: God expressed this principle when He challenged Job.
• ·        Psalm 18:27; 138:6: David understood this was the key to his successes.
• ·        Prov. 15:33; 18:12; 29:33: Solomon understood it as fundamental to wisdom.  Pride goes before a fall.  Before honor comes humility.
• ·        Isa. 2:11,17: Isaiah predicted God would act this way in the future because he tied it to the very character of God!
• ·        Prov. 3:34; James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5: It is why we are repeatedly told that some have received the grace of God and others have not.
• ·        Luke 9:23-24: And Jesus said you cannot be a disciple apart from this truth.

There is more to be said about this in the rest of this chapter.  But let us now hear and heed the word of the Lord with respect to our pride.  It is fatal for us.