A Spurned Invitation.

     But they paid no attention and went on their way, one to his own farm, another to his business.
                                Matthew 22:5 NASB

     Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son in Matthew 22:1-14.
     This was an important event; so important, that to have an excuse was inexcusable. However the slaves that the king sent out with the invitation were turned down by everyone they encountered.
     One class of people who refused the invitation were not hostile, perhaps they even liked the king, but they were just too busy. Their jobs, their farms, are representations of self interest. They were too wrapped up in their own lives and pursuits to be "bothered" by this event, no matter how important it was.
     This was a slight. It was very offensive to the king and his son. It is also very offensive to God, who has invited us to become citizens of His heavenly kingdom, when we decline because we are too busy.
     Many people are like this. They would say they "love" God. They believe in His existence and goodness, they believe in the biblical facts about Jesus, but when pressed to enter into His kingdom through the new birth, they are too busy with the cares and worries of this life (Matt 13:22; Luke 14:18-20). Many of these people want enough of Jesus to get them through the hard times, to give them a "bright spot" in their busy lives, even to get them to heaven some day, but they will not follow Him all the way. Their busy lives will not allow it.
     Jesus tells us plainly that we must forsake all to follow Him. He is speaking of a total denial of ourselves, and a renunciation of all we are, and have (Luke 14:26-33). The kingdom of God is all about Him. It is about living for the will of God, doing His business, serving Him. there is no room for our own agenda's, our own wills, our own plans and ideas. This is hard for people to grasp, and many walk away, like the rich young ruler (Luke 18:18-25).
     Jesus assures us that those who seek Him first will be care for in their material needs (Matt 6:33). The cost is high, but the reward is priceless, Jesus Christ Himself.