Apologies – Preaching
An obstacle to the table of the Kingdom
Preaching Outline on Luke 14:19 – “And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to try them; I pray thee, let me be excused.”
Introduction to Luke 14:19
Imagine this scene: a man has received a special invitation to a great banquet. The host has prepared everything carefully, thinking of every detail to make the occasion unforgettable. But when the time comes, the guest simply says: “I’ve bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m going to try them; I beg you to excuse me.”
This story is part of the parable of the great banquet, told by Jesus in Luke 14:1-24. It is rich in meaning and teaches us about God’s sovereignty in salvation and how we respond to His call.
In biblical times, banquets were important events, celebrating special occasions and strengthening bonds between people. Refusing an invitation to a banquet was seen as a serious offense, especially if it was done at short notice.
The man who used the excuse of the oxen demonstrates something deeper: he was putting his own interests above the invitation of the host. He preferred his material possessions to the opportunity for fellowship and celebration.
This attitude reflects the hearts of many today. Like that man, many of us also make excuses to avoid God’s call. We put our earthly priorities – work, leisure, possessions – above our relationship with the Lord.
In today’s world, full of distractions and pressures, excuses continue to be an obstacle for many who are called to draw close to God. Today, we want to reflect on how these excuses keep us away from the heavenly banquet and how we can overcome them.
Development
The nature of apologies
Who hasn’t heard or used an excuse? All of us, at some point, have justified our lack of commitment to something important. Excuses are ways of avoiding responsibilities, commitments or situations that bother us. They may seem small or even reasonable, but they reveal a lot about who we are and what we value.
In the parable of the great banquet, the guests made excuses that seemed logical: one bought a field, another bought oxen, and yet another got married. However, these excuses had something in common: they all showed a heart far from God, focused on earthly concerns.
Each excuse reflects a deliberate choice to prioritize something over God’s call. We can exchange God’s invitation for anything: work, social media, entertainment, fear of what others will think.
Jesus warns us in Matthew 6:24: “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and riches.” The excuses we make clearly reveal who we are really serving.
It is essential to recognize that excuses are deceptive. They may seem valid, but they actually prevent us from experiencing the fullness of life that God wants to give us. When we say “I don’t have time”, “I’m tired” or “Now is not the right time”, we are distancing ourselves from something greater: the eternal purpose that God has for us.
Apologies in today’s world
Living in the modern world is like sailing in a sea of distractions. We are constantly surrounded by stimuli competing for our attention: social networks, series, games, news and incessant commitments. It’s easy to lose sight of what really matters.
How many times do we stop praying or reading the Bible because we “don’t have time”? How many times do we neglect fellowship with other Christians because “we’re busy”? These excuses pile up, and before we know it, God is in the background.
Materialism is also a powerful trap. Many people dedicate their lives to work, accumulating material goods and seeking financial success, forgetting that these things are fleeting. In 1 John 2:15-17, we are reminded: “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him; for all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the pride of life, is not from the Father but is from the world. Now the world is passing away, and its lusts; but he who does the will of God abides forever.”
In addition, the fear of social judgment can lead us to create excuses to avoid commitments to God. Many people are ashamed to declare their faith publicly, for fear of being ridiculed or excluded. But is it worth exchanging God’s eternal approval for the momentary approval of the world?
Overcoming excuses
Overcoming excuses is not easy, but it is possible when we decide to put God first. Here are some practical steps to face this challenge:
- Recognize the Existence of Excuses:
The first step is to admit that we have been using excuses to avoid commitment to God. We need to be honest with ourselves and identify the areas in which we are shying away from the divine call. Maybe it’s work, maybe it’s social media, or even the fear of being different. - Repent of Indifference:
We must recognize that excuses are a form of rejection of God’s invitation. Repentance is the first step to restoring our relationship with the Lord. When we confess our mistakes and ask for forgiveness, God welcomes us with open arms. - Renewing the Mind and Transforming Values:
We need to seek God first, putting Him as a priority in our lives. This requires an internal transformation, guided by the Holy Spirit. Instead of allowing the world to dictate our priorities, we must seek to live according to God’s will. - Commit to God and His Work:
We must take our faith publicly, serve others with love and devote time to reading the Bible, praying and fellowshipping with other Christians. James 4:17 reminds us: “Whoever knows how to do good and does not do it commits sin.” We cannot hide behind excuses to justify our omission.
Conclusion of Luke 14:19
May the parable of the great banquet and the example of the guest who apologized serve as a warning to us. May we recognize the excuses we have made and repent of our indifference to God’s invitation.
God is calling us, not to refuse, but to accept with gratitude. He has prepared a heavenly banquet for us, full of blessings, fellowship and eternal life. We can’t miss this opportunity because of empty excuses.
May we, starting today, prioritize God in our lives, seeking him first and serving him with love and dedication. May our response to God’s invitation always be: “Here I am, Lord! Send me.” Amen!
“God calls us, not to refuse, but to accept with gratitude.”
Preaching Outline on Luke 14:19 – “And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to try them; I pray thee, let me be excused.”
More Preaching Outlines
- Invitation and Rejection – Luke 14:17-21
- Go out quickly into the streets – Luke 14:21
- Past, forget it – Genesis 41:51-52
