Luke 14:1-14
Here again, on our Journey through Galilee, we encounter Jesus flipping the script on what really matters in his incorruptible Kingdom. While staunch observers of the law flaunt their righteousness before others and test the LORD himself on the law, Jesus shakes up the status quo, confronts pius superiority, and gently teaches upside-down Kingdom ethics. In Luke 14:1-14, we get yet another meal-time illustration on our way to the culminating table scenes of the Lord’s Supper and the road to Emmaus (spoiler alert). What could Jesus be showing us with all of this table talk? 

Tyler’s Main Points

• Humility is a measure of greatness in the Kingdom of God.
• Those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted (Luke 14:11).
• We are not God.
• Walking intimately with Jesus develops humility. 

Key Takeaways

• We often seek to be our own god. We also strive to make a name for ourselves and to self-exalt (self-promote). We desire praise.
• Rather than seeking to be our own god, we can humble ourselves in recognition of who God is.
• We display God’s glory when we serve others rather than using others for our own advantage.
• Jesus touches, embraces, and cures the sick man. 
• Pharisees permitted animals to be rescued on the sabbath, so Jesus uses this principle as a “how much more” argument.
• There is practical wisdom here warning against pride and arrogance, but there is a specific warning about pushing oneself to the “top” in the sight of God, and claiming a position that is not ours to claim. 
• Pride blocks out generosity and pure care (service). 
• God’s love is generous! 
• We are to be generous in sharing God’s love – rather than desiring to be singularly favored. 
• God can convict, correct, and change us. 

Questions for Personal Application:

• Do I have a humble view of service? Can I use what God has given me for the good of others without expecting anything in return?  
• Are there any ways in which I am striving to push myself to the “top of table” so that I might be viewed by God in a certain way? 
• Ask God to teach you how to care for the people around you with a sincere and generous heart.

Discussion Questions for Community Groups:

• When we think we ought to be favored by God above others, we miss our need for his grace, mercy, and love. This also implies that we might think there are people who don’t deserve God’s grace, mercy, and love. Consider this idea and discuss as a group if you have ever separated people from God’s love in your heart. Pray for the people in your life, and for yourself, to know Christ’s grace, mercy, and love. 
• Where am I looking for glory from God or from others? What does Jesus teach me about taking for myself a seat of honor? 
• Read Matthew 5:1-10 together. Pray and share any reflections.

Passages Referenced

Luke 14:1-14, James 4:6, Proverbs 3:34, Matthew 5:1-10, Proverbs 25:6-7, Matthew 6:4, John 3:30, Philippians 2:1-11 

Worship Setlist

Worthy of More; Jesus, Firm Foundation; Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me; Is He Worthy; Holy Holy Holy