The Parables Of Jesus: Humility

Devotional

Day 1: True Greatness in God’s Kingdom Comes Through Humility

Jesus teaches that those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted, revealing that God’s kingdom operates on principles opposite to worldly ambition. In a world that constantly pushes us to seek recognition, status, and the best seats at the table, Jesus calls us to take the lowest place, to serve rather than be served, and to let God be the one who lifts us up. This humility is not about self-deprecation or false modesty, but about a genuine willingness to put others first and trust God with our honor. When we let go of striving for prominence, we make room for God to work through us and to honor us in His way and in His time. [30:33]

Luke 14:7-11 (ESV)
Now he told a parable to those who were invited, when he noticed how they chose the places of honor, saying to them, “When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in a place of honor, lest someone more distinguished than you be invited by him, and he who invited you both will come and say to you, ‘Give your place to this person,’ and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Reflection: In what area of your life are you tempted to seek recognition or the “best seat,” and how can you intentionally choose humility and let God honor you in His way?

Day 2: Deferring to Others and Using Honor to Point to Christ

Christians are called to defer to others when it comes to recognition and honor, accepting honor only when it is given by others and using any platform or recognition as an opportunity to point people to Jesus rather than to ourselves. It is not wrong to be honored for doing good, but the motivation behind our actions must never be self-promotion. When we serve faithfully and are recognized, we can use that moment to direct attention to Christ, just as many Christian artists and athletes do. Our service should be about glorifying God and blessing others, not about building our own reputation. [47:58]

Philippians 2:3-8 (ESV)
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Reflection: When you are recognized or honored for something, how can you use that moment to point others to Jesus rather than to yourself?

Day 3: God Exalts the Humble and Opposes the Proud

God’s pattern is to lift up those who humble themselves and to bring down those who are proud, showing favor to the humble and opposing the proud in both subtle and dramatic ways. Throughout Scripture and in our own lives, we see that pride leads to downfall and separation from God, while humility opens the door to God’s grace and blessing. Whether it’s through the humbling of Moses, Saul, or even Jesus’ own example, God makes it clear that He values a humble heart and will, in His time, exalt those who trust Him enough to take the lower place. [55:04]

James 4:6,10 (ESV)
But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” … Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

Reflection: Can you recall a time when God used a humbling experience to draw you closer to Him? How did that experience change your perspective or your relationship with God?

Day 4: The Danger of Worldly Prominence and the Call to Serve

The world constantly pushes us to seek prominence, status, and material recognition, but Jesus calls us to resist this pressure and instead serve others selflessly, following His example. Our culture’s obsession with brands, status symbols, and being the center of attention can easily seep into our hearts and even into the church, but Jesus reminds us that the greatest in His kingdom are those who serve. True fulfillment and purpose are found not in being served or recognized, but in quietly and faithfully serving others, even when no one notices. [39:08]

Matthew 20:25-28 (ESV)
But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Reflection: What is one practical way you can serve someone today without expecting recognition or reward?

Day 5: Humility Makes Us Most Like Jesus

We are most like Jesus when we serve others with humility, not seeking attention or praise, but simply desiring to fulfill God’s purpose for our lives and to bless others. Jesus, though He was God, humbled Himself to the point of death on a cross, and God exalted Him to the highest place. When we follow His example—putting others first, serving without fanfare, and letting go of our need for recognition—we reflect His character and participate in His kingdom work. God has prepared good works for each of us, and He calls us to do them with a humble heart, trusting Him for the results and the honor. [01:01:24]

Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to “get yourself out of the way” so that you can serve more like Jesus, and what step can you take this week to do that?

Sermon Summary

Humility is a virtue that often gets overlooked in our culture, where prominence and recognition are constantly pursued. Yet, in God’s kingdom, humility is not just encouraged—it’s essential. Jesus, in Luke 14, uses the setting of a Sabbath meal at a Pharisee’s house to teach about the dangers of pride and the beauty of a humble spirit. He observes how guests scramble for the seats of honor, revealing a heart condition that values status over service. Jesus challenges this mindset, urging us to take the lowest place, to defer honor to others, and to let God be the one who exalts us in due time.

The world pushes us to seek titles, possessions, and recognition, convincing us that our worth is tied to our prominence. But Jesus flips this on its head, teaching that in the kingdom of God, the last will be first and the first will be last. He warns that pride is destructive, not only distancing us from others but also from God’s purposes for our lives. The pursuit of self-promotion leads to emptiness, while humility opens the door for God to use us in ways we could never orchestrate ourselves.

Jesus’ parable of the banquet also reminds us that God’s invitation is for everyone, not just the prominent or the religious elite. When those originally invited make excuses, the invitation is extended to the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame—those who have nothing to offer in return. This is a picture of grace: God’s kingdom is not about what we bring to the table, but about our willingness to accept His invitation with humility.

Throughout Scripture, we see that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Moses, Paul, and even Jesus Himself modeled humility before honor. Jesus, though equal with God, emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant and submitting to death on a cross. In doing so, He was exalted to the highest place. We are called to follow His example—not seeking recognition, but serving faithfully, trusting God to lift us up in His time.

Key Takeaways

1. The world’s pursuit of prominence is a subtle trap that can infiltrate even our spiritual lives. When our motivation shifts from serving God to seeking recognition, we lose sight of our true calling. Pride is not just a personal flaw; it is a spiritual barrier that keeps us from experiencing the fullness of God’s purpose. [34:37]
2. True humility is not about denying honor when it is given, but about refusing to seek it for ourselves. When we allow others to honor us, it becomes an opportunity to point them to Christ rather than to ourselves. Accepting recognition with gratitude and redirecting the praise to God is a mark of spiritual maturity. [47:58]
3. God’s invitation to His kingdom is radically inclusive, extending to those whom society often overlooks. Our role is not to determine who is worthy, but to welcome all with the same grace we have received. Humility recognizes that we are all recipients of God’s mercy, not the gatekeepers of His banquet. [32:50]
4. Humility is the soil in which God’s greatest work grows. Before Moses could lead, he had to be humbled; before Paul could serve, he had to be broken. God often uses seasons of obscurity and difficulty to strip away our pride, preparing us for greater usefulness in His kingdom. [58:29]
5. The ultimate example of humility is Jesus Himself, who laid aside His rights and privileges to serve and save us. Our calling is to adopt His mindset—serving others without demanding recognition, and trusting God to exalt us in His perfect timing. In God’s upside-down kingdom, greatness is measured by service, not status. [51:44]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[21:45] - Greeting Online and In-Person Attendees
[22:19] - Introduction: Humility and Life’s Humbling Moments
[24:39] - The Value of Humility in a Self-Promoting World
[26:49] - Setting the Scene: Jesus at the Pharisee’s Banquet
[29:09] - Observing the Pursuit of Honor
[30:48] - Jesus’ Teaching on Hosting and Invitations
[32:03] - The Parable of the Great Banquet
[34:37] - Lesson 1: The World Pushes for Prominence
[41:04] - The Dangers of Pride and Self-Promotion
[46:41] - Lesson 2: Deferring Honor and Recognition
[51:15] - The Example of Christ’s Humility
[52:52] - Lesson 3: God Exalts the Humble
[57:16] - Biblical Examples of Humbling Experiences
[61:47] - Created to Serve, Not to Be Served
[62:45] - Closing Prayer and Call to Humble Service
[67:04] - Sharing Prayer Requests
[77:33] - Communion, Giving, and Announcements

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Luke 14:1-24 (ESV) — (Parable of the Banquet and Jesus’ teaching on humility at the Pharisee’s house)

Philippians 2:3-8 (ESV) — Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

James 4:6,10 (ESV) — But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” ... Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

Observation Questions

In Luke 14, what did Jesus notice about the guests at the Pharisee’s house, and how did he use that observation to teach about humility? ([29:09])
According to Philippians 2, what attitude did Jesus model for us, and how did he demonstrate humility? ([51:44])
In the parable of the great banquet, who ended up being invited to the feast, and what does this reveal about God’s invitation? ([32:50])
What does James 4 say about God’s response to pride and humility? ([55:04])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus chose a meal setting to teach about humility and pride? What does this setting reveal about the values of the people present? ([29:09])
The sermon mentioned that pride is not just a personal flaw but a spiritual barrier. In what ways can pride keep someone from experiencing God’s purpose? ([34:37])
How does the world’s pursuit of prominence and recognition differ from the way Jesus describes greatness in God’s kingdom? ([34:37])
The parable shows that those who were originally invited made excuses and missed out, while the poor and overlooked were welcomed. What does this say about the kind of people God values and includes? ([32:50])

Application Questions

The sermon described how our culture pushes us to seek titles, possessions, and recognition. Can you think of a recent time when you felt pressure to “move up” or be noticed? How did you respond, and what would humility have looked like in that situation? ([34:37])
Jesus said to take the lowest place and let God exalt you. Are there areas in your life—work, family, church—where you tend to seek recognition or the “best seat”? What would it look like to intentionally take the lower place this week? ([30:33])
The message pointed out that accepting honor is not wrong, but seeking it for ourselves is. How do you handle praise or recognition when it comes your way? Do you find it easy or hard to redirect the praise to God? ([47:58])
The parable of the banquet shows God’s invitation is for everyone, especially those society overlooks. Is there someone in your life or community who might feel left out or unworthy? What is one practical way you can extend God’s invitation or kindness to them this week? ([32:50])
The sermon gave examples of Moses and Paul needing to be humbled before God could use them. Have you experienced a “humbling season” in your life? How did God use that time to shape you? ([58:29])
Jesus is our ultimate example of humility, serving others without demanding recognition. What is one specific way you can serve someone this week without expecting anything in return? ([51:44])
The world often measures greatness by status, but Jesus measures it by service. What is one area in your life where you can shift your focus from status to serving others? ([52:52])

Sermon Clips

We need to learn, because it's a godly characteristic, to be humble. And we live in a world that has sure gotten away from that concept that humility is a good thing. Now, it's kind of always been that way for some people, but I think in our culture today, we see less and less promotion of the idea of being humble in your life. And so we have to battle against that as Christ followers. [00:26:20] (28 seconds) #HumbleFaithMatters

Our whole culture, the way we operate in the world, it's all about pushing for prominence. Getting the title, getting the raise, getting the promotion, getting the house in the better neighborhood, upgrading your car, right? All those things. Now, we buy a lot of stuff. All of us get sucked into this, but we buy a lot of stuff. That has something attached to it that carries greater prominence. That's why they put brands on shoes, clothing, automobiles, right, because certain brands carry greater what? Prominence. [00:34:42] (39 seconds) #ChasingFalseProminence

Sadly in the church worldwide over the years this has been something that has become very prominent as well where church leaders and people on church staffs and people who serve the church have been very prominent as well. It has become all about look at me and how spiritual I am, look at me and how much more I do than somebody else does and the biggest complaint is we're having to do all the work and nobody else is doing as much as I'm doing, right? And Jesus is saying you shouldn't be doing it for that reason to start with. It shouldn't be about your recognition, it shouldn't be about you being praised and distinguished and given honor for what you're doing. He's talking about the motivation, he's talking about what's driving you to do it. [00:46:00] (54 seconds) #AvoidingSpiritualShowmanship

Our only thing we have to boast in is Jesus, the kingdom of God. Not a one of us has any more to boast about than that. We don't need any more to boast about than that. That's the highest position of honor and praise you could have, is to be Jesus, having done what he's done for us. [00:54:36] (23 seconds) #TrueHumilityDefined

The Bible is so beautiful in what it says about God's plan for us. In Ephesians, he says that we are created in Christ Jesus to do the good work which he prepared in advance for us to do. You know, when he knit you together in your mother's womb, he already had good work lined up for you to do while you were here with the life that he's giving you, the opportunity that you have. But the good work of the kingdom has not come here to be, but to be served, but to do what? To serve. [01:01:47] (36 seconds) #ServeWithoutRecognition

We're most like Jesus. We most fulfill his plan for our lives. When we're not demanding attention and praise and people serve us. No. We're most like Jesus. When we don't care if we get recognized or not, we just want to serve and help others the way Jesus has done for us. [01:02:23] (21 seconds) #CreatedToServe

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