Luke 14:10 - But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when he who invited you comes, he may tell you, ‘Friend, move up higher.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at the table with you.

Generated Verse: Luke 14:10

What does "Luke 14:10" mean?


This verse from Luke 14:10 is part of a larger teaching from Jesus about humility and proper etiquette at a banquet. Its core meaning is about:

Humility: Jesus is advocating for a humble approach to social situations. By deliberately taking the "lowest place," you are not seeking attention or trying to assert your importance. You are demonstrating modesty.

Honor that comes from others, not self-promotion: The true honor, according to Jesus, comes from being recognized and elevated by the host ("Friend, move up higher"). It's far more meaningful to be genuinely appreciated than to self-promote and try to grab attention.

Avoiding embarrassment: If you assume a high position and are then asked to move down, you'll be embarrassed. Humility protects you from this.

True greatness is often found in serving: This verse hints at the broader theme of Jesus' teachings: that those who serve others, rather than seek to be served, are the truly great.

Application beyond banquets: While the story is set at a banquet, the principle applies more broadly to all aspects of life. It's a reminder to be humble, patient, and allow your worth to be recognized by others through your actions and character, rather than through self-aggrandizement.

In essence, Jesus is advocating for a mindset of humility and service, believing that true recognition and honor will come to those who don't actively seek it but rather let their actions and character speak for themselves. It's a lesson about the value of being recognized for merit rather than self-promotion.

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