How good are you with making excuses when you really don’t want to do something? 

Many people make excuses about why they decide not to follow the Lord Jesus as their Savior.

Jesus was at a Sabbath dinner given by a respected leader of the Pharisees.  Some things occurred at that dinner, such as a man with dropsy (edema) whom Jesus healed. 

Jesus taught about doing things without a lot of fanfare.  He also talked about being repaid at “the resurrection of the righteous.” 

In response, one of the guests said, “Blessed is everyone who will eat bread in the kingdom of God.”  Luke 14:15 NASB

Think about that!  “Blessed is everyone who will eat bread in the kingdom of God.”

Blessed indeed are all who sit down to eat a meal in the kingdom of God.
Follower of Christ – that is you and me!
Blessed to be in the Presence of the Triune God!
Blessed to eat at the same table with Him!
And people miss out on the blessing because they make an excuse not to be there with Jesus.

How did Jesus respond to the man who made that statement?  Jesus listed some of the excuses individuals made to refuse a generous dinner invitation. 

I bought some land, I need to go and inspect it.  Please accept my excuse.
I bought five yoke of oxen (that’s 10 oxen, folks) and need to try them out. Please accept my excuse.
I just got married, I cannot come.
Luke 14:16-20

~ Take it to heart ~

When people make excuses to not follow Jesus, to be where He is…
what blessings they miss…
Are you one of them?