Matthew 23:6 they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues;

There is a story about a family gathering at the grandparent’s home. After the grandfather asked the blessing on the food and the gathering, a little girl asked her dad, "Why was granddad talking to his plate?"

Jesus spoke about religious leaders of His day and criticized them for speaking in lofty terms to impress those listening. He said their words were empty and God would not hear.

The above verse in the New Revised Standard Translation reads, "They love to have the place of honor at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues, and be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and have people call them rabbi." They considered themselves more holy than the average Joe and demanded special treatment.

A Pastor was once part of a panel talking to young people about their vocations. It came time for the pastor to speak and he very smugly and with great dignity said, "I’m a minister." The man following was a doctor and he began, "We are here today to talk about vocation." He told them that the word vocation meant "calling." "Well," the doctor told them, "my calling is to be a Christian and one way to do that is through the practice of medicine." It was apparent to all that the doctor's life was a success, and his priority was service.

God’s Wisdom: "All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted." Luke 14:11

Worldly Wisdom: Of all the marvelous works of God, perhaps the one angels view with the most supreme astonishment, is a proud man.

Charles Caleb Colton