Tables of Humility

What practical steps can be implemented at the Lord's Supper to help promote humility?

Jesus was big on table manners, especially humility. His ministry was spent looking out for the needs of others. Jesus, by way of example, showed his followers what it looked like to put others before yourself. His ultimate example was of course, the cross. The Gospel of Luke bears out this fact about Jesus’ ministry. Luke 14:1-11 gives three illustrations of Jesus that are meant to convey the notion of humility. It is for emphasis that Luke provides these three examples. He wants to make a point about the importance of humility. Jesus begins by giving two similar examples that attack the Pharisaical rules of the Sabbath day (vv. 1-6). Jesus shows them by way of common sense not to exalt their religious rules over human life. Those in the kingdom of God must extend graciousness and mercy to others before imposing rules. We must be humble enough to recognize the needs of others. A third example, offered by Jesus, involves table etiquette. His point is that we should seek the “lower seats” rather than the “places of honor” (v. 10). Again, we must seek the good of others first. Jesus ends by illustrating how humility’s end is exaltation (v. 10). Jesus is not saying that people must seek to be rewarded for their humility but simply that God blesses those who bless others. This is the natural result. Humility’s end is exaltation: “For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted” (14:11). May God grant us the grace to see the needs of others before focusing on our own needs. May we heed the teachings of Christ on humility as well as his ultimate example.