Saturday Scripture Gold with Bibi: The Need to Be Humble

Hello, and welcome to Saturday Scripture Gold!

Most of us, at one time or another, have experienced arrogance. It might have been with someone at work, at a store, a neighbor, or maybe even you! I'd like to share the following story with you, as an opener for today's message about arrogance and humility...

A husband came home and announced proudly to his wife that he'd been promoted to company vice-president. "Big deal!" she responded. "Vice presidents are a dime a dozen. Why, the supermarket where we shop has so many vice-presidents, I'll bet they have one who's just in charge of the grocery bags!"

Annoyed, the husband retorted, "All right, I'll call your bluff." He picked up the phone and dialed the grocery store. In his most sarcastic voice, he asked, "Let me speak to the 'vice-president in charge of bags.'"

A polite voice at the other end of the line inquired, "Paper or plastic?"
-Source: Reader's Digest, 6/1995, p. 84.

The Bible teaches us that humility precedes honor like arrogance goes before destruction. As we know from the Bible, Jesus did not limit His use of parables to instruct only His disciples. He also used them in casual settings. It is in such a setting that we find Jesus using a parable to teach our lesson today. This week, we will use the parable found in Luke 14: 7-11 as the starting point for our discussion which illustrates the value of humility.

Perhaps it would be wise to begin by analyzing the parable. Here is the setting. Jesus had gone to eat at the house of one of the rulers of the Pharisees on the Sabbath (Luke 14:1a). They had watched pretty Him closely (Luke 14:1b). Perhaps they did this to see if He would heal the man with dropsy? (cf. Luke 14:2). Jesus then posed a question about the lawfulness of healing on the Sabbath (Luke 14:3). They did not respond to this question (Luke 14:4), nor could they respond after Jesus healed the man (Luke 14:5). To which Jesus then psosed another question revealing their inconsistency (Luke 14:6).

Additionally, Jesus had also been watching them closely (Luke 14:7). He had noted how those invited were selecting the best places to sit. It is thought that the seating arrangements at that time may have involved three tables in the shape of a flat-bottomed "U". As a side note to this, I'd like to share some information regarding the seating arrangement which may be helpful putting this into perspective.

"The triclinia, or Grecian table, then in use had three sections which were placed together so as to form a flat-bottomed U. The space enclosed by the table was not occupied. It was left vacant that the servants might enter it and attend to the wants of the guests who reclined around the outer margin of the table." -(MCGARVEY)

"The central seat of each of these three sections were deemed a place of honor. This struggle for precedence was a small ambition, but many of the ambitions of our day are equally small." -(MCGARVEY)

This petty positioning around the tables prompted Jesus to teach a lesson using a parable. The setting is a wedding feast, a common social event in those days (Luke 14:8). Here, Jesus warns against sitting down in the best place (Luke 14:8b-9). Why? Because someone more honorable may have been invited. And when they arrive, the host will ask you to move. Then, with shame you will have to move to the lowest place (likely the only place left!)

Instead, He counsels them to sit in the lowest place (Luke 14:10). That way, the host will come along and say "Friend, go up higher." So instead of shame, brought about trying to sit in the best place, you will receive glory among those who sit at the table with you.

Jesus then concludes with this "maxim": "For whoever exalts himself will be abased, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." (Luke 14:11). A "maxim" is a fundamental principle, general truth, or rule of conduct. It was one of our Lord's favorites! He used it in the parable of "The Pharisee And The Publican" (cf. Luke 18:14); it was spoken when teaching His disciples not to be like scribes and Pharisees (cf. Matthew 23:6-12).

It is also found in the Old Testament (cf. Psalm 18:27; Proverbs 18:12; 29:23. And repeated in the New Testament (cf. James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5). Remember that this is a parable; Jesus' purpose is not just to have us focus on the story (in this case, the advice about attending wedding feasts), but the main principle illustrated by the parable.

With that in mind, here are a few thoughts in regards to how the parable can be applied to our daily lives. First, it is important that we learn the danger of pride. The wise man wrote: "Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall." (Proverbs 16:18); and "A man's pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor." (Proverbs 29:23).

The danger of pride is not just in social settings (as per the parable), but in our relationship with God! The Lord hates pride (Proverbs 8:13). It is defiles man (Mark 7:21-23). It is of the world, not of the Father (1 John 2:15-17)!

Secondly, it is important that we learn the importance of humility. The Lord blesses the humble (Psalm 25:9; Proverbs 3:34). Humility is a mark of wisdom (Proverbs 11:2). Humility precedes honor like arrogance goes before destruction (Proverbs 18:12; cf. 22:4). Therefore, as disciples of Christ, let us:

1. Be clothed with humility (Colossians 3:12)
2. Be humble before God (1 Peter 5:6)
3. Be humble in our dealings with our brethren in Christ (Philippians 2:3)
4. Be humble in our dealings with those around us, even those who oppose us (Titus 3:2; 2 Timothy 2:24-25).

In conclusion, through this simple parable, Jesus has taught us a most important truth: the need to be humble in our relations with God and those around us!

Humility is not a popular grace in our culture. It is considered a sign of weakness by many, and people fear that they will be made a floor mat by others. But we must remember that God is always watching. If we desire the Lord to dwell with us, then let us walk humbly before Him (Micah 6:8). May God give us the grace to so walk before Him!

Scripture reference: Luke 14: 7-11

Let's pray:

O Father, give us the humility which realizes its ignorance, admits its mistakes, recognizes its need, welcomes advice, accepts rebuke. Help us always to praise rather than to criticize, to sympathize rather than to discourage, to build rather than to destroy, and to think of people at their best rather than at their worst. This we ask for thy names sake. Amen

Until next time...

Have a blessed week!

Bibi