Luke 14:1, 7-14 (NRSV)
Read Luke 14:1, 7-14 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 14On one occasion when Jesus was going to the house of a leader of the Pharisees to eat a meal on the sabbath, they were watching him closely.
Verse 7When he noticed how the guests chose the places of honor, he told them a parable. Verse 8"When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not sit down at the place of honor, in case someone more distinguished than you has been invited by your host; Verse 9and the host who invited both of you may come and say to you, 'Give this person your place,' and then in disgrace you would start to take the lowest place. Verse 10But when you are invited, go and sit down at the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he may say to you, 'Friend, move up higher'; then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at the table with you. Verse 11For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." Verse 12He said also to the one who had invited him, "When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, in case they may invite you in return, and you would be repaid. Verse 13But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. Verse 14And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous."
Devotion
Whenever I’m working with a group of people, I look for ways to amplify my voice. I may offer helpful suggestions, or make a humorous remark, or look for potential allies. I use my education and life experiences to gain respect. This happens without my conscious intent—my natural desire is to be seen and valued as an integral part of the decision-making process. In the language of this parable, I want to sit in a place of honor. Through his description of a wedding banquet, Jesus encourages us to give up the pursuit of honor and to do our best to amplify the voice of those who may be overlooked. We are called to tell others, “Sit a little closer to the host,” knowing they will get more opportunities in this position. In every encounter, may our conscious decision be to ensure each person is seen and heard as a beloved child of God.
Prayer
Lord of steadfast love, may I grow in my awareness of your love for me, so that I may act with openness of heart to others, seeing them as your beloved children. Amen.
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