7 And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms; saying unto them, 8 When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him; 9 And he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room. 10 But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee. 11 For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. (Luke 14:7-11 KJV)
The Parable of the Wedding Feast
Our Lord Jesus here sets us an example of beneficial and edifying conversation at our tables when we are with friends. Even when he was with just his disciples, his own household, his conversations were good and edifying. And when he was among strangers—or even enemies who were watching him—he still used the opportunity to correct what was wrong and to teach. Though the wicked were present, he did not withhold doing good (as David did, Psalm 39:1-2).
He remained calm and unprovoked. We must not only avoid corrupt conversation at meals, but go beyond casual talk, and use God’s goodness to us at the table as a reason to speak well of him and spiritualize ordinary things. The lips of the righteous should nourish many. Our Lord was among people of status, but as one who showed no favoritism.
He took the opportunity to correct the guests for competing for the best seats, and from that gave a lesson on humility.
He noticed how the lawyers and Pharisees preferred the seats of honor at the table (Luke 14:7). He had already criticized this kind of behavior generally (Luke 11:43), but here he directs it at specific individuals. Christ watches us even in ordinary life, and he observes not just our behavior in worship but even our conduct at meals.
He also noticed that those who aim for high positions often end up embarrassed, while those who stay humble often earn respect.
Those who grab the best seats might be told to move when someone more distinguished arrives (Luke 14:8-9). That should humble us—not just because others are more highly ranked in society, but also because others may be more worthy in character. Instead of feeling proud that people defer to us, we should reflect on how many we must defer to. The host will make sure the more honorable guest gets the seat he deserves and may ask the presumptuous one to move down, which will be publicly embarrassing. Pride brings shame and eventually leads to a fall.
Those who take the lowest place are more likely to be invited to move up (Luke 14:10). “Take the lowest seat,” Jesus says, “assuming your host has guests more distinguished than you. But if not, he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher.’” The host will reward your modesty. This teaches us that the way to rise is to begin low. This brings you honor from others, who will recognize you as more honorable than they thought. Honor shines brighter when it comes out of obscurity. They’ll also see that you’re humble, which is the greatest honor of all. Jesus echoes Solomon’s advice (Proverbs 25:6-7), that it’s better to be told, “Come up here,” than to be told to move down.
Dr. Lightfoot quotes a similar rabbinic parable: “Three men were invited to a feast. One sat highest, saying, ‘I am a prince’; another next, saying, ‘I am a wise man’; the third sat lowest, saying, ‘I am a humble man.’ The king moved the humble man to the highest seat, and placed the prince at the lowest.”
Jesus applied this broadly, encouraging everyone to avoid pride and to embrace humility, for pride leads to disgrace while humility leads to honor (Luke 14:11). Scripture confirms this: pride brings a person low, but humility comes before honor.