Guests of Honor and Humility | Previous Challenge Entry

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TITLE: Guests of Honor and Humility | Previous Challenge Entry
By Lisa Jefferies
03/07/24
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The parable of the guests reminds us that the essence of the kingdom of God is humility. When you are invited as a guest somewhere, it is an honor, a privilege, that should not be taken for granted. It is important to have an appreciative, grateful heart that keeps the right perspective and remembers that we didn’t have to be invited, but we are. You can picture the guests that Jesus portrays walking into the wedding with their heads held high, dressed in their finest, looking about the room to see who would take notice of them as they look for the very best seats and service they can find. Jesus focuses on the heart matter and says to look for the lowest place and allow others to promote you, not yourself. Come into a situation - a wedding, a church service, a relationship, and ultimately the kingdom of God - with a sincere, pure heart, showing gratitude for your position and seeking to bless others. We are to remember that it is not on our own accord that we have the gifts and privileges that we have, but only by the grace of God. He is the Creator, the Maker, and the Giver of all life and good things.
Jesus goes on to say that when you invite someone, don’t invite your friends and family and your rich neighbors. That’s an easy task. As Jesus mentions, these people will be able to repay you. These people make you feel good about yourself and good about your party. However, Jesus focuses again on humility.
But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. And you will be blessed because they can not repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just. Luke 7:13-14
It takes a generous dose of humility and love for us to reach out to those who are lacking and needy and invite them to our banquet. It requires a large amount of sacrifice and philanthropy to extend beyond our usual community and give to those who are in a very humble position themselves. Jesus encourages us to stretch ourselves and remember those amongst us who could use an invitation of mercy and kindness.
In the end, Jesus Himself was the upmost example of the best guest and the supreme host. Jesus came to earth, leaving His heavenly throne, and made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Philippians 2:7-8
Of all people, Jesus could have come into this world, expecting the greatest seat of honor and glamorous treatment, but instead He laid down His life. He came looking to serve, seeking the lost and pursuing the humble of heart. Jesus associated Himself with those who were lowly and lived simple lives of genuine faith and obedience to our Father God. Jesus was the essence of humility. He not only spoke parables about it; he lived it out plainly for all to see.

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