Divine Dining March 24, 2026 Devotional

LUKE 14:7-9 | ⁷ When he noticed how the guests chose the places of honor, he told them a parable. ⁸ When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not sit down at the place of honor, in case someone more distinguished than you has been invited by your host, ⁹ and the host who invited both of you may come and say to you, ‘Give this person your place,’ and then in disgrace you would start to take the lowest place.

True humility is a practice which keeps the ego in check. The ancient world was rigorously, openly, and thoroughly hierarchical. It was organized by station and rank and the ideas of egalitarianism were foreign and contemptible. Roman dress was defined by class and position and social life was governed by this also. Seats at a private social gathering or public event reflected these realities, the nearer to the host or to front, the higher the status. Everyone took it for granted that the chief goal in life was to win the cursus honorum, the race for honor. Jesus viewed this kind of competition as pointless and dangerous in several ways.

First, social standing was an unworthy goal since it is only the judgement of God, not the public, which really matters. Worries about status lead to anxiety, to wasted efforts, and if "successful," to vanity and pride. Ultimately, they also depend on the vagaries of opportunity and the unstable, varying judgements of others. Further, the race for honor underestimates our common needs and problems, creating jealousy and resentment, instead of fraternity and community.

When have you experienced the "race for honor"?

Gracious God,

Free me from false hierarchies and ego driven pursuits. Free me for service and community.

Amen.