I have to wash my hair

Some people are good at coming up with excuses.
When there is an event going on, they make up excuses why they can't go.
What are some of the best excuses you have heard for reasons people can't come?
I remember hearing general ones like…

• I have to wash my hair.
• The dog needs to be let out.
• I'm really busy.
• I haven't slept well lately.
• I have homework.

People can come up with some pretty good excuses.
How do you respond when they give you these responses?
Jesus tells a parable about a man who was preparing a great banquet.
The man told his servant to go out and find the people he invited and told them he was ready for them.
The responses he got back…

• I just bought a field and must go see it.
• I just bought some oxen and must try them out.
• I just got married.

The servant went and told the master and he was not happy.
He finally told the servant bring me people from the streets.
Whether they were poor, crippled or had other problems, they were invited.
Jesus ends saying this in Luke 14:24…
"I tell you, not one of those men who were invited will get a taste of my banquet."
In the story Jesus told, the master was not happy when those he invited did not show up.
It can be really frustrating when you invite people and nobody bothers to show up.
Jesus had a deeper meaning to this story.
He was talking about those who came from a Jewish background were waiting for a savior to come, he was here and they denied him.
He went and did miracles, they denied him.
He taught in ways nobody taught before, they denied him.
He brought people back from the dead, they still denied him.
As a result, they would not be welcomed in the kingdom of God.
Imagine going up to heaven and for denying Christ, he will not allow you to come through heavens gates.
Jesus is telling the people that denied him that instead he would reach out too…

• The gentiles (those without faith).
• Those who the Jewish leaders ignored.
• Those who were sick and without hope.

Jesus was intentional with who he invited.
When one people denied him, he went to another.
People give out invitations for a reason.
Jesus always has an open door for you.
He wants a relationship with you.
No matter how messed up you think you are…
No matter if you attend Church just to please your parents…
Jesus sees through this, loves you and wants a relationship with you.
How much longer will you come up with excuses not to have a relationship with him?
I struggle with developing a deeper relationship with Christ.
I am still a work in progress.
Where are you at?
What are you doing?
Have a great day.