The message of the readings this week can be tricky to communicate. The context of the audience is very important.

Jesus is speaking to the leaders of the people in Luke 14:1-14. He is speaking to people who already have positional power and influence in their contexts and are abusing their positions.

Jesus, and the prophets, say to the powerful and corrupt: Don’t lead with pride. Don’t be consumed with position and power. You have been given this power to make sure that those who have no power are protected and nurtured.

Psalm 112 describes the humble leader: “It is well with those who deal generously and lend, who conduct their affairs with justice…They have distributed freely, they have given to the poor; their righteousness endures forever; their horn is exalted in honor.”

When we lead with pride, or seek the best seats at the banquet, or mistreat the poor and voiceless, we are like those whom Jeremiah describes, “they have forsaken me (The LORD),
the fountain of living water,
and dug out cisterns for themselves,
cracked cisterns that can hold no water (Jeremiah 2:13).”

Caution: Sometimes powerful people can use these words to keep the already powerless silent. Know your audience and remember that in the parable Jesus reminds the religious leaders that God wants everyone at the table.

May we be leaders who humbly receive the gift of God’s living water and freely overflow it to everyone around us.