What is the meaning of Luke 14:18? But one after another they all began to make excuses Jesus pictures a banquet with seats waiting, yet every invitee opts out. In Luke 14:17 the host has already announced, “‘Come, for everything is now ready.’” Their unified refusal highlights: • A shared heart condition: preferring other pursuits to fellowship with God (cf. Matthew 22:3-5). • The warning that many, not just a few, turn away (see Luke 13:24). • The tragedy of missing grace that is “now ready,” echoing 2 Corinthians 6:2, “Now is the day of salvation”. The first one said, ‘I have bought a field’ Property is not sinful, yet it easily becomes an idol when it outranks God. Cross-references underline the danger: • Luke 12:18-20—The rich fool’s barns prove worthless when eternity calls. • 1 John 2:16—“the lust of the eyes” blinds us to eternal values. • Mark 4:19—“the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things” choke the word. This buyer sets earthly investment over heavenly invitation, exposing misplaced priorities. And I need to go see it The excuse sounds reasonable but is flimsy: no prudent buyer inspects a field after purchase. Jesus exposes how urgency can be faked to cover indifference. Consider: • Proverbs 22:13—“The slacker says, ‘There is a lion outside!’” A made-up urgency shields laziness. • Luke 9:59-60—A would-be disciple delays, wanting to bury his father first. Jesus replies, “Follow Me.” • 2 Timothy 4:10—Demas deserts Paul, “because he loved this present world.” Our calendars reveal our loyalties. Please excuse me Polite words mask outright rejection. The man chooses self-interest over the master’s joy. Scripture warns: • Hebrews 12:25—“Do not refuse Him who is speaking.” • Acts 24:25—Felix postpones, hoping for “a more convenient time.” That time never comes. • Hebrews 2:3—“How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?” Courtesy cannot soften the spiritual danger of saying “no” to God. summary Luke 14:18 shows that excuses, however civil, expose hearts that prize temporary gains above eternal fellowship. Jesus urges listeners to accept His invitation now, before distractions, delays, and polite refusals harden into permanent loss. |
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