Introduction
Pride cometh before the fall. Isaiah 2:17, 13:11, Jeremiah 49:16
Pride is a sin it hinders seeking God. It characterizes Satan.
The setting is after the meal at the home of the pharisee who invited Christ. Jesus is the judge and the pharisees greatly misjudged Christs humility. Christ has been observing their pride. This is a window into false religion. This parable represents and illustrates the pride of man. Proverbs 15:33
They invited the man with dropsy only to use him to try and trap Christ into healing on the Sabbath. They were filled and swollen with pride. This is why Jesus confronts them. Pride is a false assessment of self. To be struggling for the best seats and the highest position. To put yourself in the best places and seats. They thought they were more righteous and more religious therefore deserving of the best seats.
Pride doesn’t see the holiness of God. Here Christ in His mercy is showing them to repent and humble themselves.
They do things to be seen by men.
Matthew 23:5 (NKJV) “But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments.
If these elite people in the eyes of men persist for human honors they will be dishonored. Disgraced by God. Eternally.
All false religions and the sad people who follow them will be ashamed. No one enters the kingdom by his works, or association. If you come without Him you will be eternally humbled.
Beloved humble yourselves and you will be exalted.
Luke 14:7-11 (NKJV) 7 So He told a parable to those who were invited, when He noted how they chose the best places, saying to them: 8 “When you are invited by anyone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in the best place, lest one more honorable than you be invited by him; 9 “and he who invited you and him come and say to you, ‘Give place to this man,’ and then you begin with shame to take the lowest place. 10 “But when you are invited, go and sit down in the lowest place, so that when he who invited you comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, go up higher.’ Then you will have glory in the presence of those who sit at the table with you. 11 “For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”