“But they all with one accord began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a piece of ground, and I must go and see it. I ask you to have me excused.’ “And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to test them. I ask you to have me excused.’ Luke 14:18-19
In this chapter, Jesus had been teaching some very important lessons in life, using a banquet metaphor. He taught about which seat to take when you are invited to a banquet (don’t take the seat you think you deserve but rather humble yourself and let the host move you up to a higher place) and He taught about how to put together a guest list when hosting a banquet yourself (don’t invite those who can repay you but rather the ones who have no way of ever repaying your kindness).
The lessons Jesus was teaching here are applicable to every area of life and will serve you well, but we are looking for still another gem in our verses today. One of those who had been receiving these teachings of Jesus related them to a banquet in heaven and what a blessing it will be for those who get to eat bread in the Kingdom of God.
What is the greatest, most exclusive invitation you have ever received? What an honor to be invited and what joy, excitement and anticipation as you prepared for the event. You may have even had to rearrange some other things that were planned, but the event was so special you would not have missed it for anything. Perhaps you spent extra time in selecting what you would wear and paid special attention to your appearance for the occasion. More than likely there are pictures to commemorate that monumental moment in your life that never fail to bring back the emotions of the event.
After that trip down memory lane, it is easy to see the significance of the parable Jesus is presenting here. The greatest event that anyone could ever hope to be invited to is the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, when those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life will feast with Jesus. But how could anyone be worthy of such an honor? Of course, no one is worthy. The Father has invited those who are not worthy and have no way of ever repaying His kindness. That is great. That is a priceless invitation!
Yet, it is easy to get caught up in the cares of this world and, when the chance comes to be in God’s presence the Lord hears one excuse after another. Surely nothing could be more important than one’s relationship with the Lord. Still, every day people are making excuses for why they do not have time for the Lord. So often, the things that are freely given are taken for granted. God is so good, causing it to rain on the just and the unjust. Also, He is patient and longsuffering, wanting everyone to come to repentance and become a part of His family (although most never will, for the road to hell is wide and many travel it).
Still, this is a time to reflect upon your life and your priorities. Is time with the Lord an invitation of the highest honor to be accommodated even at the expense of other things that require your time and attention? Is there anything more important than your relationship with the Lord? No, don’t let excuses keep you from Him!
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