What does Luke 14:18 mean?

Jesus is telling a parable about a man who has planned a great feast and invited many people (Luke 14:16–17). Even though many claimed to accept the invitation, those guests now refuse to come.

The example given here is reminiscent of the parable of the rich fool. A farmer focused so much on accumulating grain so he could retire, he didn't take the time to consider what would happen to him after he died (Luke 12:13–21). In the next examples, a man wants to inspect his new oxen and another has just married (Luke 14:19–20). These are not bad things, but if they distract from a relationship with God, they are ultimately worthless.

The choices reflect the seeds that fell among the thorns in Jesus' parable of the sower. This farmer is distracted by the cares of life; the next by riches and the last by pleasures (Luke 8:14). This does not mean life, riches, or pleasure are immoral, themselves. It is good to work and to marry and to enjoy God's provision. But any worldly blessing must be enjoyed with the understanding that it is secondary to God's kingdom.

Excuses made by religious leaders of Jesus' day are not as legitimate. Some summarily judge that Jesus works for Satan (Luke 11:15). Others believe He can't be the Messiah because He was from Nazareth in Galilee; they don't know He was born in Bethlehem (John 7:52).

In the end, however, it's all the same excuse, and it's one we are tempted to use, as well. We are so fixated on our own earthly kingdoms that we forget that our eternity is at stake. It is those who have little hope of earthly kingdoms who are more likely to answer God's call (Luke 14:21–24; 18:25).