Excuses Christ Failed to Make - 8/2/09am

Luke 14:16-24
It’s easy and common for us to make excuses to get out of things. We make excuses to not wash dishes, to not go to the doctor, or to not go to work. We also make excuses to not teach others, to assemble, or to study the Bible. I would like to take a few minutes and think about the results if Christ had made these same excuses.

“It’s just too hard to do God’s will!”
How often do we make or hear this excuse? It just seems like God has asked so much of us! But consider Christ, our ultimate example. Instead of making this excuse, He did as the Lord commanded.
John 6:32-40
Luke 22:39-46

“But I’ll have to give up things that I like!”
To follow Christ we may have to give up certain possessions, hobbies, entertainments, and friends. But no matter how much we must remove from our lives, consider what Christ gave up. Imagine if He had made this excuse!
Philippians 2:5-11

“No one will listen if I try to teach!”
This excuse is used to keep from teaching others. Again, consider the consequences if Christ had made this excuse. Yet He did not: He taught.
John 7:25-31
John 10:22-30

“I’ll do it later.”
When in doubt, procrastinate, right? Imagine if Christ had put off our salvation, instead of doing what needed to be done when it needed to be done: in the fullness of time.
Galatians 3:26-4:7

“I’m just too tired right now.”
This is an easy excuse to make, particularly on Sunday mornings, isn’t it? Again, we see Christ not making this excuse. Even when tired, He sought to do God’s will. In fact, it’s only recorded once that He ever went apart to rest.
John 4:2-14
Mark 6:30-32

“But I may be laughed at or persecuted!”
Yes, people may laugh at us. They may even throw things. But imagine if Christ made this excuse. He would not have gone to the cross, and we would not have salvation.
Matthew 27:22-50

I Peter 2:21 -Be like Christ