One Sabbath, when Jesus went to share a meal in the home of one of the leaders of the Pharisees, they were watching him closely. When Jesus noticed how the guests sought out the best seats at the table, he told them a parable. “When someone invites you to a wedding celebration, don’t take your seat in the place of honor. Someone more highly regarded than you could have been invited by your host. The host who invited both of you will come and say to you, ‘Give your seat to this other person.’ Embarrassed, you will take your seat in the least important place. Instead, when you receive an invitation, go and sit in the least important place. When your host approaches you, he will say, ‘Friend, move up here to a better seat.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all your fellow guests. All who lift themselves up will be brought low, and those who make themselves low will be lifted up.” Then Jesus said to the person who had invited him, “When you host a lunch or dinner, don’t invite your friends, your brothers and sisters, your relatives, or rich neighbors. If you do, they will invite you in return and that will be your reward. Instead, when you give a banquet, invite the poor, crippled, lame, and blind. And you will be blessed because they can’t repay you. Instead, you will be repaid when the just are resurrected.” (Luke 14:1, 7-14, CEB)
As I read this I was thinking, “I know I should be at a place of higher honor, but I will sit in the worst seat, so the host will find me there and move me, so I will look good to all of those gathered here.” Now I know that isn’t what Jesus meant by saying this. Jesus is not telling us to manipulate the system. Jesus is telling us to check our motivation. Because doing what I said I thought and taking the seat of honor is what Jesus is telling us not to do. We are stuck on ourselves and do not care about anyone else.
We need to check our motivation and know that we are not the best thing and should look to lift others up.
What is your motivation? To be seen by people or to show love in all you do?
Loving People. Loving God.
aSacredRebel 