Abide Together: Reflections on Luke 14

In Luke 14, Jesus once again heals on the Sabbath, HE tells the parable concerning places of honor at the table, HE encourages ministry to the outcasts, HE tells a parable condemning the Jews for rejecting HIM as Messiah, and HE stresses the importance of counting the cost as a follower of HIM.  The statement that stands out to me is Jesus’ statement in verse 11, “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”  Jesus encouraged the listeners when invited to a dinner not to sit at the place of honor, lest you be moved to the last place by a more distinguished guest.  Instead, take the lowest place and they may be moved to the place of honor.  Jesus humbled himself by taking on humanity to HIS deity and then died on the cross for sin.  He was then resurrected and the Father exalted him to the highest place.  Those who have been saved by God’s Grace through faith in Jesus will be marked by humility, not pride.  Lord, may humility mark my life in such a way that You alone are glorified.

– Bryan McKenzie