The Pulpit Commentary — Luke — Volume 2 — Section 30

HOMILIES BY VARIOUS AUTHORS. Vel'8. 7-11.-0hrist's word on modesty. The remark which the conduct of these guests called forth from Christ suggests to us-- 1. Otra LOBD'e INTEREST IN THE HUMBLER DETAILS 011' OUB DAILY LIFE. We might have imagined, judging antecedently, that the great Teacher would not concern him- self with a matter so trivial as this; or that, if he did, we should not find a record of his remark in a narrative so brief as are our evangels. \Ve know that he had occasio11. to rebuke the Pharisees for letting religious faith lose itself altogether in minute and infinitesimal prescriptions (eh. xL 42; Mark vii. 4). And there is a very remarkable absence from our Master's teaching of petty regulations. He sought not to prescribe particulars of behaviour, but to convey Divine principles and to impart a holy and a loving spirit; he knew that these would spontaneously and invariably issue in appro- priate conduct. But Jesus Christ would not have us think that be is indifferent to the way in which we a.et on small occasions. He could be" much displeased" by an a.et of small officiousness (Mark L 13, 14); and be could be deeply moved by an act of simple generosity (eh. x..xL 2, 3). And we may learn from this incident that it is not a matter of indifference how we behave in the commou occurrences of our daily life: to what homes we go, what place in the house we take, how we a.et at the table (1 Cor. x. 31), what is the tone of our conversation (Matt. xii. 37), with what raiment we are clothed (1 Pet. iii. 3), whether we encourage or discourage the weak and timid disciple (Matt. x. 42; xviii. 6). These things, and such things as these, are occasions when, by manifesting a kindly and humble spilit, we may greatly please our Divine Lord, or when, by an opposite spirit, we may seriously offend him. II. THE PREFERENCE OF MODESTY TO SELF-ASSERTION. Jesus Christ here plainly and emphatically commends modesty of spirit and behaviour, and as decidedly con- demns an immodest self-assertion. 'fo take a lower place than we might claim to do is often found to be the prudent and remunerative course. Self-assertion frequently goes too far for its own ends, and is discomfited nnd dishonoured. Every one is pleased when the presumptuous person is humiliated.. But modesty is frequently recognized and honoured, and every one is gratified when the man who "does not think more highly of himself thau he ought to think" is the object of esteem. But when, in a more worldly and diplomatic sense, such modesty does not answer; when a strong complacency and a vigorous self-assertion do, as they often will, pass it in the race of life, and snatch the fading laurel of" success; "-still is it the becoming, the beautiful thing; still is it worth possessing for its own sake. To be lowly-minded is a far better portion than to have all the honours and all the gains which an ugly assertiveness may command. III. THE vrrAL VALUE OF HUMILITY. (Ver. 11.) Lowliness of mind, penitence, may be of small s.ccount in the eyes of men, but, on the part of those as guilty &s we are, it is everything in the sight of God : " Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Spiritual pride is utterly offensive to God, and draws down his most serioUB condemnation; if we exalt ourselves we shall be abased by him. But a sense of our own unworthiness is what he looks to see in children that have forgotten  82 THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. LUKE. [cu. xn·. 1-35.