Lesson 3 | Understanding Luke 14:11

Lesson 3: Understanding the Memory Text

Understanding Luke 14:11 – Sabbath School Lesson Study

• This Sabbath School lesson study, “Understanding Luke 14:11,” teaches a powerful truth about pride and humility in the life of a believer.

Memory Text

• “For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 14:11, NKJV)

Understanding Luke 14:11 in Context

• This lesson is about two opposite attitudes: pride and humility.
• Pride began with Lucifer in heaven.
• It led to the great controversy and continues to affect our lives today.
• Jesus shows us a different way—the way of humility.
• This text teaches us a simple but powerful rule for God’s kingdom.

The Danger of Pride

• “For whoever exalts himself will be humbled…”

• To exalt yourself means to lift yourself up and think you are better than others.
• We see this in:
  • • the proud Pharisee (Luke 18:11–12)
    • the disciples arguing about who was greatest (Luke 22:24)
    • Lucifer, who wanted to take God’s place (Isaiah 14:12–14)
• Pride is dangerous because it makes us feel we do not need God.
• But the Bible is clear: God resists the proud (1 Peter 5:5).
• Everyone who lifts themselves up will eventually be brought low.

The Blessing of Humility

• “…and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

• To humble yourself means to see yourself as you really are—a sinner in need of God’s grace.
• It means:
  • • depending on God
    • giving Him the credit
    • taking the lowest place
• Moses is an example. He was very humble, yet God used him greatly (Numbers 12:3).
• Jesus is the greatest example.
• Though He was God, He humbled Himself to serve and die for us (Philippians 2:5–8).
• Because of His humility, God exalted Him.

What This Means for You

• Check your heart. Pride can hide in many ways—even in good things like knowledge or service. Ask God to reveal it.
• Look to Jesus. The more you see His humility, the more you will see your need of Him.
• Choose humility daily. Your value comes from God, not from being better than others.

Continue Studying

• To deepen your understanding, explore the official Sabbath School lesson: https://absg.sspmadventist.org
• You can also continue with:
  • • Lesson 3 Overview
    • Lesson 2: Understanding John 17:3
    • Daily Sabbath School lesson notes

Conclusion

• This lesson on Understanding Luke 14:11 teaches a clear truth:
  Pride brings us down, but humility lifts us up—because God Himself honors the humble.