Take the Lowest Place

SCRIPTURE:
Luke 14:11 NLT - "For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."

OBSERVATION:
In Luke chapter 14, Jesus gives a teaching on humility—true humility—that He both demonstrated and exemplified perfectly.

Since the beginning of creation, mankind has struggled with pride rather than humility. Yes, many show a form of humility, but often it is a subtle kind of spiritual pride. We can wear the appearance of humility with hidden motives—“look at me, so humble”—with outward displays that play the part, but hearts that are far from it.

Often, we justify our selfish pride as “confidence.” We think, “people see me as prideful, but I’m just confident.” Yet the Bible teaches us to be confident in one thing:

Philippians 1:6 NKJV - Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.

If my confidence is in myself instead of in Christ, it is pride—not humility.
In this teaching about the banquet, Jesus said, “Go and sit down in the lowest place.”

Where is my humility? Is it on my face or in my heart? Any form of humility other than what Jesus taught, modeled, and lived out is not humility — it is pride.

The Apostle Paul instructed us in the true nature of humility through the example of Jesus:

Philippians 2:5-11 NLT - You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal's death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

APPLICATION:
Humility should never be seen as an opportunity to be exalted. That is the opposite of true humility.

Jesus told us to take the lowest place at the table. What was that place? It was the position of the lowest servant—the foot washer. This is what Jesus demonstrated: serve others. Washing feet should never be considered beneath us.

Jesus clearly stated after washing the disciples’ feet:

John 13:15-17 NLT - I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message. Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them.

Are there areas where we are displaying humility in face only, and not in heart? Are we willing to serve—even to be treated as a servant—washing others’ feet? Or are we vying for position, looking to be noticed, wanting people to say, “he is so humble”?

Matthew 11:28-30 NKJV - "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

PRAYER:
Jesus, give me Your mindset—others first. Help me think of ways to serve others without expecting to be served. Thank you for the greatest example. Let me be genuinely humble in heart, not just in ace. Work in me the humility that is so needed in my life, so others may be drawn to You and not to me.