photo #7080529

7 Jesus noticed how some of the guests were choosing the best places, so he told this parable to all of them: 8 “When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not sit down in the best place. It could happen that someone more important than you has been invited, 9 and your host, who invited both of you, would have to come and say to you, ‘Let him have this place.’ Then you would be embarrassed and have to sit in the lowest place. 10 Instead, when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that your host will come to you and say, ‘Come on up, my friend, to a better place.’ This will bring you honor in the presence of all the other guests. 11 For those who make themselves great will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be made great.” --- Luke 14:7-11 NIV Jesus advised people not to rush for the best places at a feast. People today are just as eager to raise their social status, whether by being with the right people, dressing for success, or driving the right car. Whom do you try to impress? Rather than aiming for prestige, look for a place where you can serve. If God wants you to serve on a wider scale, he will invite you to take a higher place. --- Life Application Study Bible notes PRAYER Dear Heavenly Father, I admit that I seek people’s appreciation and recognition in my flesh nature. Teach us how to follow in Jesus’ footsteps, how to be humble, even humiliated. I need Your help to be free of my need to flaunt my own importance before others. I ask for the freedom to refuse honors and accept humiliations calmly and gracefully. Let us be mindful of others’ needs, step back a bit and allow them to be center stage. I choose a lowly place because I know You will draw me closer. In Jesus’ name, Amen