Not the first time I’ve read this parable. Not the first I’ve paused to noodle on it. Not the first time I’ve been challenged to apply it. But I do think it’s the first time I’ve noticed that Jesus noticed.

Context: Jesus is dining at the “the house of a ruler of the Pharisees” and those Pharisees have their eyes on Jesus, “they were watching Him carefully” (Luke 14:1). Literally, they kept a “close eye” on Him. As Peterson puts it, they were “watching His every move” (MSG). But they weren’t the only ones in observation mode.

Now He told a parable to those who were invited, when He noticed how they chose the places of honor.

(Luke 14:7a ESV)

He noticed . . . those two words are giving me something to chew on this morning.

Jesus “held upon.” He paid attention to. He took note of. He saw, He marked, He retained.

And, while we know that the One who created all things knows all things, the Spirit focuses on this particular thing that Jesus notices. He catches sight of those making a beeline for the best seats. He does a double-take toward those who are elbowing their way to front-row, center. He spots those who are set on being as close as they can to the spotlight. Seems like kind of an insignificant thing for the One who sustains all things to be bothered with. Evidently not.

For not only does Jesus notice, Jesus thinks it important enough to comment.

“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.” ~ Jesus

(Luke 14:8-11 ESV)

“Be seated with Me in the heavenlies (Eph. 2:6)”, says Jesus, “but find a seat down there” — go and sit in the lowest place.

Literally, “take the last place.” Humble yourself, make yourself low, and go sit where no one really wants to sit. If anyone wants to be first, let him be last (Mk. 9:35). If anyone wants to be great, let her be the servant of all (Mk. 10:43-44). For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. That’s the way of the kingdom.

Worth noticing? I’m thinkin’ . . . Jesus does.

Oh, to be willing to go and sit in the lowest place. To take a seat . . . down there.

By His grace. For His glory.

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.

(Mark 10:45 ESV)