Luke 14:7-24  Jesus shares two parables with the "invited guests" at the Pharisees home.  He had already dealt with their hypocrisy as they tested him with the poor man who had dropsy.  They were watching and listening. 

The first parable came about as Jesus watched the guests "picking out the places of honor at the table."  He tells them to not take the place of honor, "lest someone more distinguished than you may have been invited.. "  It would be embarrassing to be asked to move to a lower place.  How much better to be asked to" move up higher".  The point of this parable is in verse 11, "For everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled, and he who humbles himself shall be exalted." 

Proverbs 29:23 "A man's pride will bring him low, But a humble spirit will obtain honor."  James 4:10 "Humble yourself in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you."  This is a Truth that is found in both Old Testament and New.  It is a Truth that Jesus teaches throughout His ministry.  It is a Truth that turns natural inclinations upside down in a world that prides itself with being greater, smarter, richer, or better than the next guy.  It is a Truth that we must not ignore. 

What does it mean to be humble?  The Greek word used here means to abase or bring low.. to have a lower rank.. to be modest.. to bring down pride.   To be humble is to not elevate or lift up yourself, but to allow God to lift you up Himself.. and this He promises to do.   To humble yourself is to have this "attitude which was also in Christ Jesus who, although He existed in the form of God did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped... He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death.." ( Philippians 2:5-8)  "Therefore also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name." (v9) 

Father, You alone are great and Highly exalted!  We join with the psalmist in praise, "Great is the Lord and highly to be praised; and His greatness is unsearchable." ( Psalm 145)   We will extol You, our God, O King; and we will bless Your name forever and ever.  Lord God, You are gracious and merciful. You are good to all.  You are righteous in all Your ways.  You provide for us and keep us. You open Your hands and satisfy us. You are near to us when we call on You.  Because of Who You are we bow before You and proclaim Your praise and our thanks. We humble ourselves before You because we are lower than the low, yet You have shown us grace. You have raised us up and called us Your Children in Jesus Christ the Lord.  How can we thank You enough ? Praise the Name of the Lord in Whom we live and move and have our being. Amen!