Summoned to be Humble
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Key Verse: “Whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” Selected Scripture: |
AS AN INVITED GUEST TO A feast hosted by one of the chief Pharisees, our Lord performed a miracle which demonstrated his deep sympathy for the afflicted. Additionally, he utilized this opportunity to address a false concept concerning the propriety of healing on the Sabbath.—Luke 14:2-4
After the Master inquired of the religious leaders and lawyers present whether they would rescue one of their animals that had fallen into a pit on the Sabbath, they maintained their silence. Not only was there no prohibition against doing good on the Sabbath, but it was quite apparent that the protection of self interests would dictate their actions.—vss. 5,6
Our Lord then presented a parable concerning a wedding feast as he noted the selfish attitude of those who were gathered with him at the table of the host in seeking the seats of choicest favor. “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; 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. 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.”—vss. 7-10
A desire to be deemed superior to one’s fellow man reflects an element of pride which must be striven against if proper character development is to occur. Even Christ’s disciples needed to learn this lesson as the Lord rebuked them during his final night on earth as they strove among themselves as to which of them should be deemed the greatest. “He said unto them, … he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.”—Luke 22:24-27
Our Key Verse sets forth the principle that humility must be manifested by all who would be fit to serve in God’s kingdom. “Ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence.”—I Cor. 1:26-29
The Master concluded his lesson by intimating that those who perform good deeds from a proper motive will be remembered by the Lord during the resurrection and receive earthly blessings proportionally as they make progress on the highway of holiness. (Luke 14:13,14; Isa. 35:8-10) Those who, in this life, go beyond doing good but engage in self-denial and sacrifice faithfully unto death have the hope of receiving a heavenly resurrection to Divine life. They will reign with Christ during the Millennial kingdom.—Matt. 16:24; II Tim. 2:1,2,11; Rev. 20:4