JESUS WAS NOT BIG ON SELF PROMOTION
LUKE 14:7-11 NKJV
7 So He told a parable to those who were invited, when He noted how they chose the best places, saying to them: 8 "When you are invited by anyone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in the best place, lest one more honorable than you be invited by him; 9 and he who invited you and him come and say to you, 'Give place to this man,' and then you begin with shame to take the lowest place. 10 But when you are invited, go and sit down in the lowest place, so that when he who invited you comes he may say to you, 'Friend, go up higher.' Then you will have glory in the presence of those who sit at the table with you. 11 For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
I don't believe Jesus was big into brand management. Here we see Him correcting the selfishness and pride of man. And he was doing this at a dinner party that one of the Pharisee rulers was throwing. Jesus had an immense amount of courage to speak to the hypocrisy and pride of that day in the very presence of the biggest offenders.
The more I see of Jesus, the more impressed I am.
Jesus noticed that the rulers were picking the best seats for themselves. So, Jesus suggested that they take the lowest seat.
If they took the best seat and then a more honorable guest showed up, it would be rather embarrassing to be asked to take a lower place.
So Jesus shared an insight that was very radical for that day. Take the lower seat. Then if you get moved up to a better position, you will be honored among those who are present. Sure beats being embarrassed.
Jesus then summed up His teaching with a principle of God's kingdom. If you exalt and promote yourself, you will be humbled. But if you humble yourself, you will be exalted.
The apostle Peter must have remembered this story and his own experiences with exalting himself. Years later, he would write in his letter . . . humble yourself under the mighty hand of God that He may exalt you in due time. (1 Peter 5:6)
APPLICATION:
We are living in the day of unbridled self-promotion.
A recent article in the Wall Street Journal noted that live concerts are being ruined by people trying to create moments in the concert for their social media accounts. Screaming, holding signs, and incessantly clamoring for the artist's attention is making concerts less enjoyable for others.
Is this a sign of our times? Yes, regarding social media motivation. But this is a sign of human nature. Our flesh nature wants to be seen and glorified.
It is a sign of spiritual maturity to humble ourselves. To serve others. To take the lowest seat. But in doing these things, we open the door for God to exalt us. And His exaltation is greater than any self-promotion.
PRAYER:
Teach me Lord what it means to humble myself in Your sight.