Definition: But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Luke 14:10. It's a really important message about how to respond to invitations and how to be valued. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, the verse is saying: Don’t immediately accept every invitation. It’s okay to go with the offer of something fun or social. But, when you are invited, be humble and respectful. You should show that you appreciate the invitation and don't want to make a fuss. Go to a lower level. This is the key part! The verse suggests that if the person who invited you comes back, they’ll likely praise you. To really show your worth, you need to be positioned higher up – meaning, you need to be in a position of importance or respect. Let's unpack it a bit: “But when thou art bidden…” : This is the starting point - we’re hearing about an invitation. “…go and sit down in the lowest room…” : This refers to a lower, less desirable place – like a side room or a small space. It's not a grand setting. "...that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher:" : This is a warning. The person who invited you will come back and, when they do, they’ll likely notice how good you are. They'll recognize your worthiness and might praise you. "...then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee." : This is a big idea – it means you will receive respect and appreciation when you’re part of a group enjoying a meal (likely a feast). In essence, the verse encourages us to be gracious, humble, and positioned higher than we are in social situations. It's about showing that we are worthy of respect and praise. Why is this important? It speaks to our desire for recognition and appreciation – we want to feel valued and respected by others. It’s a reminder that true worth isn’t just about what you do , but how you present yourself when you receive an invitation. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Give you a real-life example of this principle?