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.
Jesus presents the alternative: '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.' Instead of presuming honor, choose 'the lowest room' (ἔσχατον τόπον, eschaton topon, the last place). Then the host may invite you: 'Friend, go up higher' (Φίλε, προσανάβηθι ἀνώτερον, Phile, prosanabēthi anōteron). The result: 'thou shalt have worship' (δόξα, doxa, glory/honor) 'in the presence of them that sit at meat' (ἐνώπιον πάντων τῶν συνανακειμένων, enōpion pantōn tōn synanakeimenōn). Humility leads to honor—not self-sought but graciously bestowed.
Historical Context
This teaching directly contradicts worldly wisdom that says to seize opportunities, promote yourself, and grab what you can. Kingdom wisdom teaches the opposite—humble yourself, serve others, wait for God's exaltation. This principle appears throughout Scripture: 'Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up' (James 4:10); 'Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time' (1 Peter 5:6). Jesus Himself modeled this, humbling Himself to death on a cross, wherefore God highly exalted Him (Philippians 2:5-11). The path to glory is through humiliation.
Questions for Reflection
How does this parable illustrate the gospel principle that exaltation comes through humiliation?
What is the difference between false humility (performed for recognition) and genuine humility (rooted in proper self-assessment before God)?
How should this teaching shape Christian ambitions regarding ministry, career, and life goals?
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus presents the alternative: '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.' Instead of presuming honor, choose 'the lowest room' (ἔσχατον τόπον, eschaton topon, the last place). Then the host may invite you: 'Friend, go up higher' (Φίλε, προσανάβηθι ἀνώτερον, Phile, prosanabēthi anōteron). The result: 'thou shalt have worship' (δόξα, doxa, glory/honor) 'in the presence of them that sit at meat' (ἐνώπιον πάντων τῶν συνανακειμένων, enōpion pantōn tōn synanakeimenōn). Humility leads to honor—not self-sought but graciously bestowed.