Luke 14:11

Luke 14:11 presents a profound spiritual principle taught by Jesus, serving as the concluding summary to a parable about choosing places of honor at a feast. This verse encapsulates a core paradox of the Kingdom of God: true exaltation comes through humility, not self-promotion.

Context

This verse is found within a broader narrative in Luke chapter 14, where Jesus is attending a Sabbath meal at the house of a prominent Pharisee. Observing how guests were choosing the "chief rooms" or most honorable places, Jesus offers a parable (Luke 14:7-10) advising them to take the lowest seat. The wisdom imparted is that it is better to be invited to move up to a higher place than to be asked to move down from a presumptuously chosen high seat. Verse 11 then distills this social etiquette into a universal spiritual truth, extending beyond mere table manners to a fundamental principle of God's interaction with humanity.

Key Themes

• Humility vs. Pride: The central theme is the stark contrast between humility and pride. Jesus teaches that those who elevate themselves (exalteth himself) will inevitably be brought low (abased), while those who willingly humble themselves (humbleth himself) will be raised up by God (exalted). This divine reversal highlights God's opposition to arrogance and His favor towards a humble spirit.
• Divine Reversal in God's Kingdom: This verse illustrates a key principle of the Kingdom of God, where worldly values are often inverted. Human society often rewards self-assertion and the pursuit of status, but God's economy operates differently. True honor and lasting exaltation are not achieved through human striving for prominence but are bestowed by God upon the humble.
• God as the Exalter: The passive voice used ("shall be abased," "shall be exalted") implies divine agency. It is God who ultimately brings down the proud and lifts up the humble. This emphasizes that genuine honor and authority come from God's hand, not from human effort or recognition.

Linguistic Insight

The Greek words used here reinforce the direct opposition:

• "Exalteth himself" comes from hypsōsei heauton (ὑψώσει ἑαυτόν), meaning to lift oneself up, to elevate oneself.
• "Abased" is from tapeinōthēsetai (ταπεινωθήσεται), meaning to be humbled, brought low, or humiliated.
• "Humbleth himself" is from tapeinōsei heauton (ταπεινώσει ἑαυτόν), meaning to lower oneself, to make oneself humble.
• "Exalted" is from hypsōthēsetai (ὑψωθήσεται), meaning to be raised up, elevated, or honored.

Cross-References

This principle is echoed throughout Scripture, underscoring its importance in biblical teaching:

• Matthew 23:12: "And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted." (A direct parallel from Jesus' teaching to the scribes and Pharisees).
• Proverbs 29:23: "A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit."
• James 4:10: "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up."
• 1 Peter 5:6: "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time."
• Luke 18:14: Jesus concludes the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector with a similar statement: "For every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted."

Practical Application

The teaching of Luke 14:11 is highly relevant for Christian living today:

• In Personal Conduct: It calls believers to cultivate genuine humility in all areas of life, avoiding arrogance and self-seeking. This applies to our interactions, our work, and our spiritual gifts.
• In Service and Ministry: Rather than seeking recognition or positions of power, Christians are encouraged to serve others with a humble heart, trusting that God will honor those who serve faithfully without seeking the limelight.
• Before God: Ultimately, this verse emphasizes the posture of the heart before God. True humility acknowledges our dependence on God, His sovereignty, and His grace. It is in this posture of humility that we are best positioned to receive His blessings and experience His transformative power in our lives.

This verse serves as a timeless reminder that while the world often values self-promotion, God values a humble spirit, and it is He who grants true and lasting honor.