In this parable, those invited to supper are compared to those invited to a church service. Church services are designed not only to bring people to Jesus, but also to cause them to grow up into disciples filled with God’s Word. Just as many today make excuses for not attending church, many in that day began to make excuses for why they could not attend the dinner.

What exactly is an excuse? An excuse is a façade to cover our own weaknesses. An excuse is not a real issue; it is a diversion or side issue. An excuse puts the blame or responsibility on someone or something else. An excuse does not accept responsibility. Therefore, an excuse is a lie.

Notice the first excuse given in this parable, “I have bought a piece of ground and I must needs go and see it.” No reasonable person would buy a piece of property and then go to look at it! You look at property before you purchase it. In order to buy property, you have to have money. If you are faithful in the house of God—faithful in attending, faithful in hearing the Word taught, and faithful in acting on the Word—you increase in wisdom and prosperity. Far too often, when financial needs are met and the pressure of just getting by is over, attending church becomes less important. The love of God gets replaced by the love of money.

The second excuse was similar. “I have brought five yoke of oxen and I must try them out.” How many people buy oxen and then try them out? No one in his right mind would purchase an animal, automobile, or any other possession without first knowing whether or not it worked! Possessions can become more attractive to some than the house of God or living a life pleasing to God.

The third excuse given was that the man had just married. Often people come to church trusting God for a spiritual mate. God meets their need and they no longer have time for God. God desires to be first place in our lives.

Unlike an excuse, a reason is honorable. A reason accepts responsibility, knowing circumstances or emergencies arise from time to time. A reason is the truth. You may have a reason for missing a church service, but you have no excuse. A person with a reason will return to church the next week. Excuses lead to more excuses and rarely will you see that person again.

God has asked us to study His Word daily. He has asked us to praise His name from sunrise to sunset. He also wants us to fellowship with Him daily through prayer and meditation on His promises. Is this the type of life you are presently living? Is this the type of life you desire to live, or are you allowing money, possessions, or even family to stand in the way? What is your excuse?

See you Sunday,

Paul