Humility

Luke 14:7–14 “Humility”

1. Jesus basically says we can do better he desires humility and uses the example of seats. When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of 10But when you are invited, take the lowest place 11For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

• In the text Jesus tells us to take Humility Over Honor

• Jesus observes or notices guests choosing places of honor.

• Humility Takes the lowest seat; Most people desire the noticeable seat

• Jesus says “Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

2. Jesus tells us who our guests list should be (vv. 12–14):

• First of all he tells us Don’t invite only friends, family, or the wealthy

• Then he tells us to Invite the poor, crippled, lame, and blind.

• If we invite the needy we have Promise: You will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous” (Luke 14:14).

• Jesus invite the overlooked the Excluded

3. Jesus wants us to invite humility to be a part of our life

• Humility is what Jesus wants each of us to live

• Humility tells and teaches us that those with these traits are close to God

• Humility shapes lives relationships and faith

4. Many examples in Scripture of humility in people

• Moses – Scholars called Moses “The Meek leader” Numbers 12:3 “Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth.” Moses was humble

• Moses believed God’s authority. He questioned his own ability and accepted correction—even from his father-in-law and from God Himself.

5. King David – The Repentant King had Humility

• Psalm 51After his sin with Bathsheba, David didn’t hide or justify his actions. He humbled himself in deep repentance, writing one of the most heartfelt confessions in Scripture:

“Create in me a clean heart, O God…” (Psalm 51:1010Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. 12Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

6. Mary – The Willing Servant When the angel told Mary she would bear the Son of God, her response was simple and profound: “I am the Lord’s servant… May your word to me be fulfilled.”

7. Jesus – The Ultimate Example of Humility Philippians 2:5–8

• “He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!”

• Jesus, chose the path of a servant. He laid aside glory to walk among us, suffer, and redeem.

• As we leave this place today, may we carry with us the image of Jesus—

• He was not crowned in gold, yet he kneeled and washed feet

• He did Not set on a throne, but he hung on a cross.

• He emptied Himself, not because He had to, but because love compelled Him.

• Let us walk in that same spirit. Let us serve without seeking recognition, love without condition, and forgive without hesitation.

Begin by

Jim Thorpe? He was the most famous athlete of his time, able to run with speed and power as well as pass, catch, punt and kick. After leading the Canton Bulldogs to three unofficial world championships, he also played six seasons of major-league baseball and won two gold medals in the 1912 Olympics. King Gustav V of Sweden honored him during the closing ceremonies by saying, "You, sir, are the greatest athlete in the world." Thorpe replied, "Thanks, King."

• Muhammad Ali, world famous boxer, is reported to have boarded a plane at the height of his career, and resisted the instructions of a stewardess, The stewardess told him to buckle up (repeatedly) and Ali said, "Superman don't need no seat belt." The stewardess, without missing a beat, replied, "Superman don't need no airplane, either. Buckle up." Ali swallowed his pride and buckled up.

• How radically the sporting world has changed since Thorpes day especially the NFL!

Today, success leads to excessive celebrations -- group high-fives, sack dances, push-ups, cartwheels, sit-ups, boat-rowing, snow angels and worm crawls. The arrogance of these athletes has become so bad that excessive celebrations now lead to an automatic 15-yard penalty. Makes you long for the days of Jim Thorpe and his simple, "Thanks, King."