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The Best Seat in the House

January 10, 2025

The best seat is where god wants us to sit...

Matthew 23:6 (NASB95) — 6 “They love the place of honor at banquets and the chief seats in the synagogues,...


When we consider the idea of the “best seats,” we want the prime location at the event we will be attending. For example, when we attend a concert or sporting event, we want the seat with the best view! We don’t want to be in the nosebleed section.


While it doesn’t cost anything, the best seat on the night of your anniversary is the “display table!” It is where you can see everyone and everything. It’s away from the kitchen and the restrooms but it has a romantic view and it is private! These are the “best seats in the house!”


Surprisingly, “the best seats” even appear in Scripture! Jesus frequently addressed this topic when rebuking the prideful Pharisees, and it is echoed in James’ warnings about showing partiality during worship.


As we move to our context, I wonder what attitude we have as we consider “the best seats” in worship? Also, what even constitutes “the best seat?” Is “the best seat” near the back or is it near the front?


I wonder if we sit in the best seat to fulfill our weekly or monthly quota of attending church only to mark it off a checklist? In worship, what does “the best seat” mean to us? Is it about convenience for me or closeness to Him? Do we come ready to hear from the Triune God, eager to serve or are we distracted by other priorities and concerns of life?


At the close of his discussion with the Pharisees, Jesus summed it up this way, “But the greatest among you shall be your servant.” Thus, the “best seat” may be marked by our posture, not our position!


I am aware the best seat may be different for each one of us but just a few thoughts:


  • Maybe the best seat is sitting closer to the front to be prepared to participate in worship and hear the word more fully.
  • Maybe the best seat is sitting next to someone that you know has been struggling with pain, hurt, or sadness.
  • Maybe the best seat is helping a mom or dad with children or a senior saint get around more easily .
  • Maybe the best seat is sitting beside that person who you notice always sits alone.
  • Maybe the best seat isn’t sitting alone, it is getting out of your comfort zone and sitting with others.
  • Maybe the best seat isn’t a seat at all but a place of service.


Simply put, “the best seat” is where God wants us, not where we might feel most comfortable. I invite us all to consider what is “the best seat” for me, my family, and my church so that we will glorify God?


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