The Lowest Room #2

Wednesday, October 27, 2021

“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” (Luke 14:10 KJV).

What is this “lowest room?” Can we gain any counsel from today’s Scripture?

Re-read the context of today’s Scripture: “[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.”

Let us describe the scene the Lord has just beheld. Guests are arriving at the feast and carefully selecting the “chief rooms”—the most prominent empty seats or reclining couches. Today, we would consider these the chairs at the head of the table, places that would naturally draw attention and evoke a sense of admiration. “Look where he sits! He must be the most important person here!” The “elite” of Judaism were so conceited or focused on themselves they had forgotten what their own Hebrew Bible had taught them through King Solomon centuries before. In order to rebuke them, Jesus cited Proverbs 25:6,7: “Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men: For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen.”

To fail to heed God’s advice would result in embarrassment….

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Can you explain ‘enmity?’”