Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost September 2, 2007
Scripture	Luke 14:1, 7-14 14 On one occasion when Jesus was going to the house of a leader of the Pharisees to eat a meal on the sabbath, they were watching him closely. 7 When he noticed how the guests chose the places of honor, he told them a parable. 8“When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not sit down at the place of honor, in case someone more distinguished than you has been invited by your host; 9 and the host who invited both of you may come and say to you, ‘Give this person your place,’ and then in disgrace you would start to take the lowest place. 10 But when you are invited, go and sit down at the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher’; then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at the table with you. 11 For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” 12 He said also to the one who had invited him, “When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, in case they may invite you in return, and you would be repaid. 13 But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. 14 And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
Devotional	This parable that Jesus told does not fit with my experience I have been sitting in the back all of my life and have never been asked to move up to the front. Is Jesus being realistic in his example? He could think that this is the way people should react. The next time I sit in the back, I will expect to be in the same spot when the event ends. I do not think of myself as being negative but realistic. I find myself encouraged when someone also shares the same experience. Walter Wink’s explanation parallels my experience. “Is this tongue in cheek? Go to a banquet and take the lowest place. I've tried it, and they left me there. He must be talking to people with more standing. Is this just a way to get yourself exalted?” 1 I will admit, I enjoy sitting in the back more than I would in the front. To be honest, the pecking order does not really mean that much. Jesus makes two points. One should cultivate and practice humility. The practice of humility is the correct way to live one’s life but the kingdom will bring about a more revolutionary reversal of order. All practices of discrimination will be overthrown. Even the poor, lame, crippled and blind will be equal. Second point. Righteousness not social position should be our goal. God is not checking to see who is on our guest list but God does look at our generosity and inclusiveness of our relationships. How does God rate honor? Is a seat at the front table the only sign of honor or is some honor left for those sitting in the back? Humility will not allow me to look forward to the reversal of the order. At the last banquet if Walter Wink is seated with me we will remind each other to be humble as we move up to the front. Prayer: Lord, you have shown us the example of humility and honor. Guide us as we find our place in our world. Keep reminding us that sitting in the back is an honor. 1http://www.sojo.net/index.cfm?action=resources.sermon_prep&item=LTW_92-849_CPro