Luke 14:7-11 And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms; saying to them.… 1. That Christianity is intended to enter into our whole conduct, not only when we are engaged in religious exercises, but even in our social intercourse with our fellow-creatures. Nothing, you see, can be a greater mistake than to suppose that religion is to be confined to the church or to the closet. It is intended to regulate our thoughts and passions, and to dispose us always to cherish those dispositions which are amiable. 2. We infer from this passage that humility is a disposition essential to true Christianity, which ought to be exercised, not only on great occasions, but at all times; and that it does not consist merely in speeches, but includes actions done even in the most common intercourse of life. 3. Nothing can be more true than the declaration of our Saviour in the eleventh verse: "For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted." In uttering this maxim He addresses human feelings. He allows that all men aspire after distinction and honour, but requires that these should be sought after by humility. For he who is not humble, but cherishes pride and vanity, shall be subjected to mortification and disgrace. On the other hand, all are ready to raise the humble man, and to rejoice in his exaltation. Even if he should pass unnoticed by his fellow-creatures, the exercise of humility will constantly improve him, and will at length enable him, with the blessing of God, to attain the true dignity which belongs to superior excellence: "For the kingdom of heaven is his." (J. Thomson, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms; saying unto them, |
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