2006-08-06 Communion Dedication – Baldwin Christian Church

Luke 14:7-14

7 And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms; saying unto them,

8 When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him;

9 And he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room.

10 But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.

11 For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

12 Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee.

13 But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind:

14 And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.

We face decisions like these everyday.  Should I think that I am something, when I’m nothing? (Gal 6:3)

Jesus saw how these people at the wedding feast were choosing the most honorable seats (the best things) for themselves.  People who choose the best things for their selves are usually the most self-centered people, and self-centered people are the most embarrassed people when the host asks them to take a lesser seat.  As He always does, our Lord Jesus teaches both practically and spiritually.

In verse 10, please don’t let the word “worship” throw you.  Jesus is not talking about “voluntary humility” (Colossians 2:18), of acting humble with the intent of being seen as humble; Jesus is talking about setting the example for others, of always preferring others better than us, and that is exactly what He did.  He set the example by going to the cross, not to receive “worship” for His humility, but He left the better seats open for you because He preferred you, He loved you better than Himself.  A self-centered person will not go that far.

Jesus knows that you and I have nothing we can repay Him with, yet He is making a big dinner, and He invites everyone to it.  In the meantime, how should we act?

Helping those who cannot help themselves: Jesus set the example for us.  Will you bless someone today?

Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;