Boastful vs. Humble

Luke14:7-11 When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this parable: "When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited. If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, 'Give this person your seat.' Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place. But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, 'Friend, move up to a better place.' Then you will be honored in the presence of all the other guests. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."

Jesus speaks in parables to explain powerful meanings using every day examples. In this parable he uses a wedding feast. The wedding festival is a week or longer party. The bride is selected for the son by the parents. A year is given for the future husband to build a home for his bride.[1] Some guest would be given a special place. To avoid embarrassment, it is best to sit in a common seating area. The host should appointment better seating to the more important guest. Jesus is explaining that we are to be humble and allow others to exalt us when due.

The modern wedding is a day event. The family place name cards on the table to

prevent embarrassment of relocation. The traditions are less relaxed, but it continues to be an important way to celebrate the combining of two families. The use of the wedding is a positive pleasant event.

Where do you sit in the stadium?

Bibliography

Enns, Paul P. “Wedding” in Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary. Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2015.

[1] Paul P. Enns, “Wedding”, in Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2015), 1645-1646.