ahh boogers

I. Though it is best known as "The Places at the Table," Luke 14:7-11 is cited in the Bible as "Conduct of Invited Guests and Hosts;" it does just that: the parable explains Jesus' stance on appropriate behavior of banquet guests in first century Palestine. It addresses more than simply table ranking in relation to social status in Jesus' time, as its reputation states, and its message also surpasses the common interpretation of practicing humility. The parable discusses what it means to be a socially esteemed philosophical character and encourages all members of the social pyramid to justly challenge hierarchical standards within contemplation and knowledge.

II. A. Jesus' questions: Is it lawful to cure on the sabbath or not; Who among you [Pharisees], if your son or ox falls into a cistern, would not immediately pull him out on the sabbath day? The Pharisees did not respond. The Bible mentions before these questions are asked that Jesus is at a banquet hosted by the Pharisees, opening a philosophical mindset in the reader by its time's intensive language. The prefacing scene also states that the people in the room, all of them, are "observing him carefully" which is implying that, since they had Jesus present for ethical profession, they want to learn from the intelligent revolutionary.
B. Social standards of 1st century Palestine and table fellowship:
1. Jesus teaches through "table talk": philosophical tradition, all agree on one topic to discuss and piece apart ("elevated conversation").
2. Jewish philosophical society: banquets where opinions are confronted/circulated, knowledge, and "contemplation of verities of nature." (Philo)
3. Head of table to bottom of table: social ranking.
C. Embarrassment v. esteem in 1st century Palestine: personally embarrassed, blow to knowledge mojo v. being socially esteemed as a philosopher and problem solver as Jesus was.
D. Ending of parable: "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted."

III. Philosophical discussion was the language of hierarchy in Jesus' time, so one might use knowledge and discussion as a means for moving through and altering the social customs and standards, ascending up the metaphorical table ranking with ethical wisdom and a true understanding for conduct.