Parable of the Chief Seat
Parables of Jesus
Where it is found: Luke 14: 7-11
Summary
The Parable of the Chief Seats, found in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 14:7-14), is a teaching by Jesus that conveys important lessons about humility and true righteousness. In this parable, Jesus observes how guests at a banquet are choosing the best seats at the table, vying for positions of honor. He then offers advice to those present, saying that when invited to a feast, it's better to take a lower seat and let the host invite you to a higher place of honor rather than presumptuously taking a prominent seat and possibly being embarrassed if asked to move down.
Jesus uses this situation to illustrate a broader principle of humility. He encourages his listeners to humble themselves, acknowledging that true honor comes from God, not from seeking exalted positions for themselves. He also advises the host to invite those who cannot repay him, rather than inviting only those who can benefit him in return.
Ultimately, the Parable of the Chief Seats teaches that humility is a virtue highly regarded by God, and it warns against the dangers of pride and seeking self-glory. It emphasizes the importance of treating others with kindness and consideration, regardless of their social status or ability to repay us.
Luke 14: 7-11
7 And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms; saying unto them,
8 When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him;
9 And he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room.
10 But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.
11 For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
Key Principles
1. Pride leads to a fall. Jesus taught the Pharisees not to sit in the most honorable place or else someone more honorable may come and ask you to sit lower. In the same way, we should not assume we are greater than others or someone truly greater will come and put us in our place. Pride ultimately leads to shame for it is based on an incorrect view of reality. We are truly nothing without God and if we forget that our Pride will leave us to our devices and we will not be able to save ourselves.
2. Humility is a correct attitude that leads to exaltation: Jesus taught the Pharisees to instead take the lowest places of honor and recognize their own dependence on God and fallibility.
3. The Proud that exalt themselves will fall and the humble that submit themselves to God will be exalted. Jesus taught that Humility will ultimately lead us to God and cause us to rely and depend upon Him. With that reliance, we will be exalted above our current lowly position. In contrast, Pride will cause us to rely upon ourselves and not God and therefore the proud will fall as they are fallen beings without the power to save themselves.