Great Seats

On a sabbath Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees, and the people there were observing him carefully. He told a parable to those who had been invited, noticing how they were choosing the places of honor at the table. “When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not recline at table in the place of honor. A more distinguished guest than you may have been invited by him, and the host who invited both of you may approach you and say, ‘Give your place to this man,’ and then you would proceed with embarrassment to take the lowest place.

Rather, when you are invited, go and take the lowest place so that when the host comes to you he may say, ‘My friend, move up to a higher position.’ Then you will enjoy the esteem of your companions at the table. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 14:1, 7-11)

Taking the lowest place is a double-edged sword.  Those seeing us take that place might think we have low self-esteem and are undeserving.  They might then treat us with less respect than they otherwise would have. Our humility might not be recognized and appreciated.  The host likely would not move us to a higher place unless he knew us well and wanted to sit us comfortably next to someone with similar views for pleasant conversation.

Of course, simply taking the best and more lofty and socially preferable seating without permission would cast us as arrogant and presumptuous.  Place-seating is tricky business for any host having to deal with our egos and pride.

Nevertheless, Jesus’ point is a good one because it deals with humility.  Do we take ourselves too seriously?  Would we give up our places in a long line to help someone such as a mother carting her many children through a grocery store check-out, or an elderly man hobbled by age and disability and trying to fill a prescription at the counter?  

It is not a question of someone being more distinguished however that might be defined.  It is simply about care and compassion for those less fortunate or in need – something Jesus championed. Those who are truly humble are recognized and appreciated far more than those who are full of braggadocio, such as some politicians in high office. 

We are all deserving children of God.  There are many seats at God’s table.  There are no place cards.  Frankly, it really does not matter what place we want to choose because we don’t do the choosing.  Jesus chose us, and we are all by his side.  These are great seats at no cost provided we love God and our neighbor as ourselves.  When we do, we get closer to God, and it seems like a table for two

Deacon David Pierce