Luke 14:1, 7-14
Jesus'
words were not merely practical advice about humility, but a parable providing
insight into the great differences between divine and human values.
It
is unsurprising to see people scrambling and competing for honor, wealth and
power. . . Jesus rejected such jockeying for position then and does so again in
this story. It is important to note that Jesus is not offering an alternative
means of competition for his followers. Competing to be the most humble would
still be focusing on self. Instead, Jesus invites the listener to recognize
that the character of God is self-giving love.
The
one who follows Jesus in his way of revealing the divine will not be concerned
about how he or she is regarded by others. The follower of Jesus will be
concerned instead with the needs of the neighbor and how those needs can be
served. A life of loving service grows from the ground of humility, not
self-promotion or pride. Jesus emphasizes this teaching concerning humility
with a pronouncement of reversal. Although in human relations those who put
themselves forward are usually rewarded, it is not so in relation to God.
In
verse 12 Luke prepares the reader to recognize that what follows is a new but
related teaching. Jesus speaks to the host concerning expectations of
reciprocity. Just as he criticized the behavior of guests scrambling for the
most honored place, he also rejects every sort of social arrangement that is
driven by concern for self. Instead of seeking relationships that are mutually
beneficial, the one who is in tune with God's way of self-giving love will
serve those in need. . . It is better to use one's wealth to serve those in
need than it is to serve one's own ambitions, social or otherwise. These
temporal relationships offer only a temporal good; compassion for those in need
yields an eternal benefit. – Aaron J. Couch
Proverbs 25:6-7
Chapters
25 through 29 of Proverbs are identified as “other proverbs of Solomon that the
officials of King Hezekiah of Judah copied.” It is not difficult to imagine how
these sayings might have given practical guidance for young men in the royal
court. Verses 6–7 encourage a circumspect demeanor in the presence of the very
powerful. This advice anticipates the theme of humility in the gospel text. It
is misleading, though, insofar as it prepares the listener to hear Jesus'
teaching as a similar sort of helpful counsel. – Aaron J. Couch
Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16
Chapter
13 begins with a series of exhortations concerning faithful living. To follow
this way of life (mutual love, hospitality, marital fidelity, contentment) is
to attain the holiness that is pleasing to God (12:14). The author appeals to
memory of leaders and to Jesus' reliability, perhaps using a creedal statement
known by the letter's recipients. The purpose of this appeal (to resist strange
innovative teachings) is obscured by the lectionary's selection of verses. The
reading concludes with the author's summary exhortation. A believer's faithful
conduct, both in word and deed, is a sacrifice of praise and is pleasing to
God. – Aaron J. Couch
Aaron Couch is a co-pastor of First Immanuel
Lutheran Church in Portland, Oregon.
Homily
Service 40, no. 10 (2007):
5-14.
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