In Luke 14, Jesus shares a parable about a great banquet, inviting us to reflect on the eternal invitation God has extended to each of us.
This invitation promises eternal life, joy, and fellowship with Him. Yet, many of us respond with excuses.
Let’s take a look at this parable to see what it means to truly say “yes” to God’s call and why our excuses hold us back.
God’s Invitation to the Greatest Banquet
Imagine being invited to a feast with the King of Kings.
In the Bible, this is described as the Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9).
One man at a Pharisee’s dinner said, “Blessed is he who shall eat bread in the kingdom of God!” (Luke 14:15).
He recognized the joy and honor of being part of God’s eternal celebration.
But Jesus followed this exclamation with a parable to challenge them about being “ready” for His invitation.
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Why Do We Make Excuses to Serve God?
Jesus told of a man who prepared a magnificent banquet and invited many guests.
When everything was ready, the host sent his servant to gather the invited guests.
But they all began making excuses, just like we do today
Here are some of the 3 most common excuses we make:
1. Luke 14:18 I bought a piece of land, and I must go see it.
Too busy with our possessions. Material things often distract us from God. We spend time maintaining, buying, and dreaming about possessions instead of prioritizing Jesus
2. Luke 14:19 I bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m going to test them.
This man’s work took precedence over attending the feast. Does your job or ambition keep you from committing fully to God?
3. Luke 14:20 – “I just got married, so I can’t come.”
Even good things, like family, can become idols when they take priority over your relationship with Christ.
What’s Behind Our Excuses?
Lack of Desire – Deep down, these guests didn’t want to come. Their excuses were just a cover for their unwilling hearts.
Distraction by the World – Possessions, work, and relationships; good things can pull us away from the best thing, God’s kingdom.
God’s Response to Our Excuses
The feast will go on with or without us. When the invited guests refused to come, the host became angry and invited others:
- The poor
- The disabled
- The outcasts
The invitation was extended to those who were overlooked and undeserving.
This shows that God’s kingdom is for everyone who accepts it, no matter their background or status.
The host instructed his servant to urge people from the streets and highways to fill the banquet hall (Luke 14:23).
God’s love is relentless, and He desires a full house. But He won’t force anyone to come, we must choose to accept His invitation.
What Does It Cost to Accept God’s Invitation?
Saying “yes” to God’s invitation means going all in.
Jesus made this clear when He said:
If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. Luke 14:26
What Does Jesus Mean?
Hate Doesn’t Mean Hate – Jesus isn’t asking us to despise our families. Instead, He’s asking us to prioritize Him above all else, even our closest relationships.
Total Commitment – To follow Jesus, we must lay down our lives, desires, and idols. He must come first.
When you put Jesus first, everything else in your life falls into its proper place.
Are You Making Excuses or Accepting the Invitation?
The excuses we make today might sound different, but they all reveal the same heart issue, a lack of desire for God.
Steps to Go “All In”
- Examine Your Priorities – What is keeping you from fully following Jesus? Is it your work, possessions, or relationships?
- Say “Yes” Today – God has already prepared everything for you. Stop hesitating, and take the step of faith.
- Share the Invitation – Just as the servant was sent out to invite others, we are called to share God’s invitation with the world.
Final Thoughts
Jesus’ parable ends with a warning: “None of those men who were invited shall taste my supper.” Luke 14:24
Those who rejected the invitation missed out on the greatest celebration ever.
Don’t let excuses rob you of eternal joy with God.
Today, God is asking: “Will you come to My banquet, or will you make excuses?”
The invitation is ready. All that’s left is your response.
