Downton Abbey the Movie is opening this month! In preparation I have been re-watching the series, refreshing my connection to the Crawley family and those who serve them. If you have not seen this PBS Masterpiece series, it is set in the beginning of the 20th century England starting with the sinking of the Titanic and moving through the Great War and the societal changes that ensue. Downton, a grand old estate, is the power seat of this rural community. The Earl is a peer in British society, who along with his American wife, have raised three daughters. But what happens with the servants downstairs is just as intriguing as what happens in the Great Hall. From the pecking order in the kitchen to the rules governing a valet and lady’s maid, there is a fascinating hierarchy in both worlds. Questions of place, beliefs, status quo and who that effects all get played out. Like should staff try to improve their lot, or remain in service for their life?
Overall the staff show tremendous pride and loyalty toward their aristocratic family. At times the caring is reciprocated. But ultimately the concern finds its boundaries in the set rules of engagement between these two class of people. A wedding between Mr. Carson and Mrs. Hughes, both on staff, is being planned. First the Earl offers decorating the servant’s hall in the basement for the reception. Bad idea. Then Mary the daughter, insists they host the reception in the great hall. Another bad idea. When all is said and done the bride wants her wedding to be a reflection of her and her husband, not where they work. So, the reception is held in the village schoolhouse.
The privileged life of hunting, riding, and cricket have all played their part in entertaining at Downton. But the focal point invariably takes place at the elaborate dinner table, with everyone dressed to the nines and sumptuous meals on silver platers served by footmen. Strick rules govern where each person sits, based on their power and position within the gathering. Lady Grantham, played by Maggie Smith, is the matriarch of the family whose sharp wit keeps everyone in their place. I can only imagine what she would say if she sat at table with Jesus and the Pharisees. People are elevating themselves without reason only to be demoted and disgraced when asked to move down.
This is the fourth time the Pharisees are challenging Jesus on Sabbath activities. I think in a way they are much like Lady Grantham always wanting to follow the rules. The Pharisees were watching Jesus closely because he had already claimed lordship of Sabbath activities (6:5) an offense punishable by death. Three times Jesus resets the Sabbath rules allowing work and healing, so that the Sabbath is to be about liberation, not legalism (Luke 6:1-5, 6:6-11; 13:10-17). Given this recent history it is quite remarkable that Jesus was invited to the house of a leader of the Pharisees to share a meal. But what better place to teach about humility than at the home of a Pharisee? Jesus tells a story about a person who elevates himself without cause. Jesus is referencing Proverbs 25:6-7 which states, “Do not put yourself forward in the king’s presence or stand in the place of the great; for it is better to be told, “Come up here,” than to be put lower in the presence of a noble.” Just as an aside, the Downton movie is about the King and Queen visiting Downton Abbey. You can bet they know where everyone will be seated.
But Jesus is talking about more than table etiquette. The lesson here is humility. Being humble is a message throughout scripture. Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount starts with “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Mt 5:3). Billy Graham reminds us “We must be humble in our spirits. If you put the word “humble” in place of the word “poor,” you will understand what (Jesus) meant. In other words, when we come to God, we must realize our own sin and our spiritual emptiness and poverty. We must not be self-satisfied or proud in our hearts, thinking we don’t really need God. If we are, God cannot bless us.” (Answers, 9.1.2004).
Jesus asks us to be humble in spirit. Then three times the Bible says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (Pro. 3:34, James 4:6, 1 Peter 5:5-6).
So how are we to be humble today? I like this phrase:
Humility is NOT thinking less of yourself. Humility is thinking of yourself less.
Here are three elements of humility. First you are able to admit when you are wrong. This can be tricky and none of us like to do it. The story is told, “To a visitor who described himself as a seeker after Truth, the Maker said, “If what you seek is Truth, there is one thing you must have above all else.”
“I know. An overwhelming passion for it.”
“No. An unremitting readiness to admit you may be wrong.” (One Minute Wisdom, Anthony de Mello, pg. 70) Humility lives in seeing our own failings.
Secondly, humility can be found in not thinking too highly of yourself. The saying goes, “Only the little man is self-important.” We all know this to be true. When someone blows their own horn, it is usually because no one else has a reason to do it. Seeking a prestigious seat at the table is like blowing your own horn. Jesus teaches us those who humble themselves will be exalted, and those who exalt themselves will be humbled.
Finally, whenever you consider yourself and your position remember that anyone of us can have a turn of events that change that external position in a minute. I think that is one reason why Jesus asked us to invite the poor, the crippled, the lame and the blind to our dinner, not just those who match us in position and can return the favor. With humility we know in our soul, but by the grace of God go I. We see the humanity before us and as we show hospitality to strangers. Possibly entertaining angels in our midst.
Jesus taught this lesson of humility while at table in the home of a Pharisee. There is power in table fellowship. One we share at the communion table. “Jesus healing and practice of table fellowship become metaphors of the kingdom of God, where they will come from east and west, from north and south and will eat in the kingdom of God. (Luke 13:29, Ps. 107:3)” (Feasting on the Word, C4, pg. 22).
We will soon come to table, Christ’s table. It is a perfect time to ask ourselves if we clothe ourselves with humility. Ask ourselves when are we more like aristocrats claiming all that belongs to us, rather than humble servants of Christ who can admit that we are wrong? When do you blindly assume your position is the only position when it comes to family decisions, political views, even religious beliefs?
Where is the humility in that?
Communion, table fellowship with our Lord, is humbling ourselves before God. It is taking ourselves down a peg so that we are able to fully receive God’s blessing.
Years ago, a friend asked me to come to her installation as President of the County Bar Association. I was honored. As I walked into a room filled with strangers, many lawyers and certainly people of power, I was unsure of my place. I had been invited to give the prayer during the ceremony, but I had no real position within the group. So I chose to not sit at the head table but sat nearby, so I could come forward with ease. But before the dinner started my friend asked me to move to the head table. She honored me with being seated closer to her. Fortunately, it did not displace anyone, but it could have. Come to Christ’s table humbled, with an honest assessment of yourself, and a longing to be closer to God. When you do, you might be blessed to move closer, sitting at the feet of our Lord. Amen.
