Noticing people jostling for the best places at the table, Jesus told a parable of a wedding banquet. This made a clear point: actively humbling oneself instead of presuming will lead to being exalted, while asserting and pursuing honor for oneself will lead to humiliation. This universal wisdom (Pr 25:6-7) is based on God's character (Pr 3:34) and work (1:52). How can we humble ourselves, in a world where everyone seeks their own gain? Only if we care more about the opinion of the host. It requires faith to trust the host to place us properly, rather than fight for our own place. God knows best; let's humble ourselves before him and trust his placement. His recognition matters more than all the accolades of this world.

To the host he gave a different direction: invite those who cannot repay you. He says: "Invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed." We follow this advice only when we value the reward of our heavenly Father, which he promises to give at the resurrection of the righteous. If we are ministry-centered, we want to invest only in people who will build up our work. But when we know ourselves as the church, Jesus' body on earth, who seek God's reward, we can serve those who cannot serve us back.


Application: Father, your mercy on me is so great. Help me seek your recognition and reward, serving the least of these and humbling myself into your hands.
One Word: God blesses the humble servant