Sunday Rewind 9.2.07

In today's passage from Luke 14:1,7-11, Jesus was being watched by people at a sabbath meal. And Jesus was watching them, too. He noticed how they were jockeying for position at the table. His advice to them look, on the surface, like great advice for how to get ahead in this world. But Luke tells us that Jesus is using a parable. That means Jesus isn't teaching table manners, he's teaching Kingdom principles.

First, Jesus has invited all of us to the ultimate wedding feast. He's sent the invitation...even paid the cover charge. But it's an invitation that requires an RSVP. And when we respond by faith, our seat at the table is reserved.

Second, in the Kindom, we all have equal value, but not equal status. God appoints some disciples to positions of higher status (teachers, elders, pastors, etc). Meanwhile, others are appointed to positions of lower status. And yet, we're equally valuable.

Third, shuffling the seating chart in Jesus' privilege. Prideful ambition has no place in the Kingdom. Instead, genuine humility is the way to be recognized by our Master.

So, how do we flesh out these principles? Try these:

• Respect those God appoint as leaders.
• Serve with humilty.
• Be ready to be moved up the table.