Thoughts for the Day

On one occasion when Jesus was going to the house of a leader of the Pharisees to eat a meal on the sabbath, they were watching him closely.

When he noticed how the guests chose the places of honour, he told them a parable. ‘When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not sit down at the place of honour, in case someone more distinguished than you has been invited by your host; and the host who invited both of you may come and say to you, “Give this person your place”, and then in disgrace you would start to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit down at the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he may say to you, “Friend, move up higher”; then you will be honoured in the presence of all who sit at the table with you. For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.’

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

In the UK we seem to be addicted to television reality shows that often bring out the worst in people: 'I'm a celebrity get me out of here'; 'The traitors'; and the latest one to reappear, 'Survivor' come to mind. Candidates are forced to evaluate themselves, and often to denigrate others, which generally bringing out the worst rather than the best of human characteristics. Also participants that support others or seek reconciliation are often seen as weak.

Jesus tells us a parable based undoubtedly on something he had seen, about those who invited to a wedding banquet, and how some choose the best places at the table. We have seen before how seats were allocated to specific people, with the most honoured next to the host with the least favoured guest at the bottom of the table. For someone to sit in the wrong place would bring great shame on them to be asked to move.

We do not have this custom, but television shows we see people displaying their own self-importance, and high opinion of themselves. Jesus uses this parable to tell us not to play the self-promotion game. We are to work hard and allow God to raise us up. When things are difficult we must be content with what God sends us and where He places us. Remember, our Lord was the ultimate person who deserved to be exalted, but was content to be humble and to be humbled.

Lord Jesus,
may we learn to be honest
with ourselves,
neither over-estimating
or under-estimating
our abilities,
and may we seek to please You
and not the world,
Amen.