Reducing Embarrassment
Time to refresh our memory. What is a parable?
We’ll deal with embarrassment later.
Answer: a parable is a life lesson packaged in a story which helps us to understand the life lesson.
A parable told by Jesus isn't just a memorable story with a moral. The words of the Creator of the universe hold eternal significance. The parables of Jesus have no expiration date. He spoke them for our benefit.
The parable:
“Now he told a parable to those who were invited, when he noticed how they chose the places of honor, saying to them, “When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in a place of honor, lest someone more distinguished than you be invited by him, and he who invited you both will come and say to you, ‘Give your place to this person,’ and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place. 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 everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.””
Luke 14:7-11
Jesus was still in the house of the Pharisee where he had healed the man with edema. The parable of the wedding feast came after the healing. Jesus did not dominate the meal He was in control of the meal. He is Lord.
Now for the lesson. Why does Jesus tell the assembled guests (and us through the Bible) to choose the lowest place? Why does Jesus speak about humbling ourselves? Could it be Jesus knows our pride and egos are large? He does. He made us. We know He knows all things, but did He have to tell us to take the LOWEST place?
Jesus knows we love recognition. He knows we are prideful and stubborn. He knows the problems these character traits can cause us. Jesus gave a lesson on humility at this dinner. Could we find pride filled people there? We both know there were.
As Jesus concluded this brief lesson on humility, He spoke words that left no question about their meaning.
"For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
Wait a moment...Jesus didn’t give this lesson and assume the ball is in our court and we have to deal with our pride and ego alone. He comes alongside...you and me-where we are. Both of us at the same time! (He is God!)
While Jesus walked the earth, He gave these words of assurance and comfort:
“...whoever comes to me I will never cast out.” John 6:37b
How do we deal with our inability to be humble? Bring it to Jesus.
There are times when our pride and ego bring us to the point of embarrassment. We fool ourselves to think we can control this problem. Jesus can save us from the embarrassment which comes from our lack of humility. Embarrassment is a temporary thing.
Jesus deals with that.
Our souls are eternal.
Only Jesus has power and authority to deal with them.