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.”

–Parallel verses:
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭18‬:‭12‬
Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.

‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭6‬
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

What do I expect to receive from others for the position I have worked so hard to earn, the fancy home or cars I collect, or people I position myself around?

This is what Jesus is trying to get through to his followers: Humble yourself and you will be raised up in due time. Don’t seek the seat or place of influence, just be a servant. This is the model Jesus gave: “When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. ‘Do you understand what I have done for you?’ he asked them. ‘You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.’” (‭‭John‬ ‭13‬:‭12‬-‭15‬)

If I want to be great in the Kingdom of God, then I must be willing to be a servant of all. Why, then, with such great reward potential, do I stubbornly persist in others recognizing me for my accomplishments? It seems the humility I know I should demonstrate I do not, and the pride I know I should discard I instead hold tightly to. The Apostle Paul said it well in ‭‭Romans‬ ‭7‬:‭24: “What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death?”

Lord, help me to humble myself so much more, that I might gain the treasure that is a life lived as a servant of all! I want to learn to trust you more. Teach me, Lord, I pray!