Invitations to a Meal-Whom Does God Invite?

LUKE 14:7-24

* A LESSON IN HUMILITY

* INVITED GUESTS MAKE EXCUSES 

After he has healed the man suffering from leprosy, Jesus is still at the house of the Pharisee.  Jesus observes other guests choosing prominent places at  the meal, and he uses this as an opportunity to teach a lesson about humility.

"When you are invited by someone to a marriage feast," Jesus says, "do not recline in the most prominent place. Perhaps someone more distinguished  than you may also have been invited.  Then the one who invited you bot will come and say to you, "Let this man have your place.' Then you will proceed with shame to take the lowest place.' - LUKE 14:8, 9.  

Jesus next says:  "When you are invited, go and recline in the lowest place, so that when the man who invited you comes, he will say to you, 'Friend, go on up higher.' Then you will have honor in from of all your fellow guests."This is much more than displaying good manners.  Jesus explains: "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." (Luke 14:10, 11) Yes, he is encouraging his listeners to cultivate humility. 

Next time: Invitations to a Meal-Whom Does God Invite? Continued

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