The setting is the dinner table – but there’s a set-up! A random man who is obviously ill (v 2) is planted right in front of Jesus – but he’s not a guest, because after he’s been healed he is sent away (v 4). There’s a sense of déjà vu; it’s not the first time Jesus has been questioned about healing on the Sabbath (v 1). And as before, Jesus heals the person, and then tells more parables about the kingdom of God. There is an underlying theme of pride – the silence of the religious leaders (vs 4,6) highlights their inflexibility. They are too proud to admit that they might be wrong.

Jesus then tells three stories, all based around feasting. The first one, in today’s reading (vs 7–11), focuses on humility. To whom is this story told (v 7)? Some self-important people have a great sense of entitlement, and maybe that spills over into how they feel about their place in the kingdom. The door to God’s presence is narrow, as we saw in the previous chapter (13:24), and humility is another of the key elements for entering. The assumption that one automatically qualifies is in fact a disqualifier!

‘Do you wish to rise? Begin by descending. You plan a tower that will pierce the clouds? Lay first the foundation of humility.’¹

Here we see another miraculous healing on the Sabbath. This is a favourite theme of the Gospel writers: they record seven such stories in total. Most would think that actions such as this would make a man beloved by everyone, yet the scribes and Pharisees only grow more convinced by this action that Jesus is a threat who must be stopped. I like the way Jesus doesn’t actually answer their questions, but questions their answers – and in such a convincing way that they have no response. 

Jesus considers that their determination to hold on to reassuring religious regulations is a question of pride, so he tells a striking parable illustrating the danger of pride and the necessity of humility. His parable advises people not to rush for the best places at a feast, but to choose the lowest place. When people choose the place of honour they will inevitably be humiliated, but when people voluntarily choose the lowest place they will be honoured publicly by being invited to a better place. The conclusion is familiar – ‘All those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted’ (v 11). What goes up must come down.

We live in a world where people are just as eager to raise their social status and prestige, perhaps by owning the right car or house, having the best job, being seen with the important people, or even simply dressing for success. We are all too quick to exalt ourselves, but according to Jesus this is dangerous. Instead, his encouragement is that we find a way to serve and humble ourselves, allowing him to decide if he wants to give us a wider platform.

Who are you trying to impress? Service is always more important in God’s kingdom than status or recognition.

¹ Augustine of Hippo, 354–430