Luke 14:7–11 When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this parable: “When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited. If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, ‘Give this man your seat.’ Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place. But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all your fellow guests. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Years ago I officiated at the wedding for a dear friend’s daughter. At the reception afterwards, Cheryl and I found some other friends we have know since our college days and sat with them. The wedding planner came up and told us she had seats reserved for us at another table. We didn’t want to leave our friends, but we followed her to our table. She seated us at the front of the reception hall, and we were the only two people sitting at a table for eight. It was very awkward. When it was our turn to go through the buffet line, we got our food and went back to sit with our friends.

When Cheryl and I attend a function together, we typically take a seat somewhere between the back and the middle of the venue. On more than a few occasions, someone has come up to us and invited us to come sit with them. That always makes us feel good. You feel accepted and valued when others want you to join them. It is nice to be included.

When I read the parable above, I understand that you should not try to exalt yourself. Humility is to be a trait of the followers of Jesus. And I hope I have lived that way. But another thing I think of when I read these words is how much Jesus values me. He seeks me out and wants me to be with Him. He gives me a position of honor that I do not deserve, a place at His table.

Jesus includes me. Not because of what I have done, but because of what He did for me. The cost for my seat at His table was paid by Jesus when He offered Himself to pay for my sin. He was the willing substitute, taking my punishment to ensure that I would have a seat at His table, a place He has prepared for me. It is a gift I have willingly and gratefully received in my life.