Luke 14:11 (KJV) states, "For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted." This scripture is found in the New Testament of the Bible and is part of a larger passage where Jesus is teaching a lesson on humility and the value of serving others.

The context of this verse is important in order to fully understand its meaning. In the preceding verses, Jesus was addressing the Pharisees and religious leaders who were known for seeking positions of honor and recognition. Jesus noticed how they were choosing the best seats at the table and seeking attention and praise from others. In response, Jesus tells a parable about a wedding feast, where he instructs the guests to take the lowest seat at the table, so that the host can then invite them to move to a higher seat, rather than seeking the higher seat and potentially being asked to move down.

In this parable, Jesus is teaching a powerful lesson about humility and the danger of pride. The verse itself can be seen as a general principle for life: those who exalt themselves will ultimately be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be lifted up.

The theme of humility is central to this verse. Jesus is presenting a fundamental principle of Christian living - the importance of being humble and avoiding pride. Humility is a virtue that is highly esteemed in the Bible, and it is often contrasted with the sin of pride. Throughout the Bible, we are repeatedly exhorted to humble ourselves before God and others, recognizing our own limitations and weaknesses.

Another important theme in this verse is the idea of divine reversal. Jesus often taught about the upside-down nature of the Kingdom of God, where the values and priorities of the world are turned on their head. Here, Jesus is saying that the one who exalts himself will ultimately be humbled, while the one who humbles himself will ultimately be exalted. This teaching challenges the conventional wisdom of the world and encourages a radical shift in perspective.

The symbolism in this verse is powerful as well. The image of being "abased" and "exalted" carries significant weight. To be abased means to be brought low or humiliated, while to be exalted means to be lifted up or honored. This imagery underscores the moral lesson that Jesus is teaching - those who seek their own glory and honor will eventually be brought low, while those who are willing to take the lower position will ultimately be honored and exalted by God.

Ultimately, this verse calls for a transformation of the heart. It challenges us to examine our own motivations and attitudes, and to strive for a spirit of humility and service. It reminds us that true greatness is found in a posture of humility, and that those who exalt themselves will ultimately be brought low. It is a powerful reminder of the values of the Kingdom of God and a call to live in a way that reflects those values.

In conclusion, Luke 14:11 is a timeless and profound teaching from Jesus about the value of humility and the danger of pride. It challenges us to embrace a posture of humility and service, and reminds us that true greatness is found in lowering ourselves and lifting others up. It carries a powerful message about the upside-down nature of the Kingdom of God and calls us to live in a way that reflects those values. It is a verse that continues to speak to the hearts of believers today, calling us to strive for humility and service in all areas of our lives.