April 16, 2023 - Luke 14:7-11

“When Jesus noticed that all who had come to the dinner were trying to sit in the seats of honor near the head of the table, he gave them this advice: “When you are invited to a wedding feast, don’t sit in the seat of honor. What if someone who is more distinguished than you has also been invited? The host will come and say, ‘Give this person your seat.’ Then you will be embarrassed, and you will have to take whatever seat is left at the foot of the table! Instead, take the lowest place at the foot of the table. Then when your host sees you, he will come and say, ‘Friend, we have a better place for you!’ Then you will be honored in front of all the other guests. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”” Luke 14:7-11 NLT

Jesus, you didn’t just tell this story, but you lived it out. You lived a very humble life. You of all humans had a right to elevate yourself. Yet, you chose to come and serve the humans who should be exalting you. What an example that you have set for us. If you as the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings, can humble yourself and serve, so can we. You even took the time to wash your disciples’ feet, one of the lowest of servant jobs. If you can willingly and joyfully do that, there should be nothing that should be below us.

It is so natural to want acknowledgement and to be in that place of honor. Help us learn how to change our mindset so we think and act in a humble way and not a prideful one. Help us learn to naturally go to the seat of least honor. We will wait for you to honor us in your time. Lord, we also ask for you to teach us how to walk the balance in between being humble, yet also walking in the confidence of knowing we are a child of God. Jesus, you did that beautifully. Please, teach us how it is done.

In Jesus name, amen.