Is Jesus old saw “the first will be last and the last first” really true?
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 honored 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.’
–Luke 14:10-11
Today’s Gospel (Luke 14:1,7-14) uses the Sabbath as another setting for Jesus’ teaching about “the first and the last.” Jesus uses the story of the wedding feast as a stage for readjusting our perspective on humility and honor.
Our first lesson from Proverbs 26 reminds us “Do not put yourself forward in the king’s presence or stand in the place of the great; for it is better to be told, “Come up here,” than to be put lower in the presence of a noble.” (Proverbs 26:6-7)
Preaching Question
Who’s On Your Guest List?
Other Questions to Ponder
Do you really believe the old saying that “last shall be first and the first last?”
How do you know who are those whom God honors?
When you throw a party do you invite people carefully or indiscriminately?
