We saw in Genesis 11:1-9 that people were driven by pride to disobey God’s command to replenish the earth after the flood. They wanted to make a name for themselves, rather than glorify God. The parable in this reading speaks to the same problem.

Jesus is not giving social advice. He’s warning us to not think too much of ourselves. If we do that, like the man who chose the high seat, we might get put in our place. “Whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”

The Lord wants us to have humility. He resists the proud (James 4:6).

When you realize that, you see that we all have a part to play. God didn’t just create one prodigy per generation. He created a body – a church – and he spread gifts throughout it.

None of us have every gift. None of us knows everything. None of us is always the strong one. We are each one part of God’s design, “as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.”

Live your life like that. Be less certain that you’re always right. Listen more and talk less. Be willing to change. Humility demands it, and it’s the humble who receive the grace (Proverbs 3:34).