Luke 14:19 – “Another said, ‘I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.’”
Extended Explanation
This verse continues the parable of the great banquet, where the invited guests begin to make excuses for why they cannot attend the feast. In this case, the guest says he has just bought five yoke of oxen and needs to test them. On the surface, this seems like a practical and understandable reason, but Jesus is illustrating something deeper—an excuse that reflects misplaced priorities.
The man isn’t rejecting the invitation because he’s doing something sinful, but because he’s overly focused on his work and material possessions. Instead of seeing the banquet as a special, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, he treats it as something less important than his business. His excuse symbolizes the way people often let the concerns of daily life take precedence over their relationship with God.
Historical Context
In the agricultural society of Jesus’ time, oxen were valuable assets used for plowing fields and other farm work. Owning five yoke of oxen (ten oxen) suggests that this man was wealthy, as most families typically owned fewer animals. Testing the oxen would have been part of ensuring they were strong and fit for work. However, it’s unlikely that this task was urgent—it could have waited until after the banquet.
This excuse fits the context of Jesus’ audience, many of whom worked in farming and trade. They would have understood the importance of managing business affairs, but Jesus’ point is that even important tasks like this should never take priority over God’s invitation. The excuse reflects the broader problem of allowing wealth and responsibilities to become distractions from spiritual matters.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the danger of allowing material possessions and work to take priority over God. The man’s excuse shows that even good things, like business responsibilities, can become spiritual obstacles when they are valued more than God. Scripture consistently warns about the dangers of wealth and worldly concerns that can choke out spiritual growth (Mark 4:18-19).
Theologically, this verse reminds us that following God often requires us to make choices about our priorities. God’s invitation to salvation and a relationship with Him is the most important call we will ever receive. If we put off responding to Him because we’re too busy with work or chasing success, we risk missing out on the blessings of His kingdom.
Literary Analysis
The structure of the parable emphasizes the excuses as a pattern. Each excuse, though different in the details, shares a common theme: the invited guests prioritize worldly matters over the banquet. The excuse about the oxen follows the excuse about buying a field (Luke 14:18) and is soon followed by another excuse about marriage (Luke 14:20). The repetition highlights the widespread nature of this problem—many people miss God’s invitation because they are preoccupied with life’s demands.
The phrase “Please excuse me” carries a tone of politeness, but it doesn’t lessen the seriousness of the rejection. Jesus is showing that rejecting God’s invitation, even with what seems like a good reason, still results in missing out on His blessings. The polite excuse masks a deeper issue: a heart that is more invested in worldly pursuits than in God’s kingdom.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Mark 4:18-19 – In the parable of the sower, Jesus warns that the worries of life and the deceitfulness of wealth can choke the word of God.
- Matthew 6:24 – “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
- Ecclesiastes 5:10 – “Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income.”
- 1 Timothy 6:9-10 – Paul warns that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil and can lead people away from faith.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a warning against letting work, wealth, and material possessions become excuses for neglecting God. We live in a culture that values busyness and productivity, often to the point where spiritual matters are pushed to the side. It’s easy to say, “I’ll make time for God later,” but that mindset can lead to spiritual complacency and missed opportunities.
This verse challenges us to evaluate our priorities. Are we putting work, financial success, or personal ambitions above our relationship with God? The man’s excuse may seem reasonable, but Jesus shows that even legitimate responsibilities can become harmful if they prevent us from responding to God’s call.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is seen in His persistent invitation. The fact that the banquet is ready shows that God has already provided everything we need for salvation and fellowship with Him. His love is generous, patient, and open to all. However, God’s love also respects our free will—He doesn’t force anyone to come to the banquet. Those who reject His invitation miss out, not because God is unwilling to bless them, but because they have chosen other priorities.
God’s love desires what is best for us, which is why He calls us to make Him our highest priority. He knows that material possessions and worldly pursuits can never satisfy us the way a relationship with Him can. His love invites us to experience something far greater than anything this world can offer.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the one who extends God’s invitation to the banquet. Through His ministry, He called people to repent and enter the kingdom of God. His death and resurrection made it possible for us to have a relationship with God and enjoy the blessings of His kingdom. But just like the guests in the parable, people often make excuses for not accepting Jesus’ invitation.
In John 6:35, Jesus says, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” The banquet represents the spiritual nourishment and fulfillment that Jesus offers. Rejecting Him is like rejecting the only food that can truly satisfy our souls.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Are there any responsibilities or possessions in your life that are distracting you from fully responding to God’s call?
- How can you prioritize your relationship with God in the midst of a busy life?
- What does this parable teach you about the consequences of making excuses when God calls you?
- How can you guard against the temptation to prioritize worldly success over spiritual growth?
- In what ways can you help others recognize the importance of responding to God’s invitation without delay?
This verse is a reminder that God’s invitation is open and His blessings are ready, but we must be willing to set aside our excuses and make Him our top priority. Don’t let the concerns of this world keep you from experiencing the joy and fulfillment of God’s kingdom. Respond to His call with faith, and trust that His banquet is worth more than anything this world can offer.