October 15, 2025
The Feast - Part 3
Luke 14:7,10
10/15/2025
7 Now he told a parable to those who were invited,
when he noticed how they chose the places of
honor, saying to them...
10 ``But when you are invited, go and sit in 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
table with you.'' (ESV)
Jesus was invited to a Sabbath dinner at the home of a ruler
of the Pharisees.
Now he told a parable to those who were invited, when
he noticed how they chose the places of honor, saying
to them... ``But when you are invited, go and sit in
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 table with
you.''
For the last few weeks we have been looking at the Christian
life, at the works which show our faith. We can summarize the
teachings of the church as salvation by grace through faith for
the sake of Christ. Because we cannot earn our salvation,
because even the best of our good works cannot balance our sin,
we stand humble before God.
What is the evidence of faith as we are guests in a
congregation to which we do not belong? Humility respects the
teachings and practice of the host congregation. If the
congregation says, ``Members of sister congregations are welcome
to join us in the Lord's Supper, however please talk to the
pastor first,'' we talk to the pastor. In fact, that is a
delightful conversation, both for the pastor and the guest. As
guests, we do not make demands, but we may make requests.
May our Lord help us to overcome pride and arrogance, that
we may truly receive His gifts of forgiveness and mercy. Amen.