Luke 14:19

“And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am on my way to prove them. I beg you have me excused.' ”

The second of those invited excused himself, making as his excuse the fact that the had bought five yoke of oxen and needed to go and test them out. Again he was a wealthy man. A poorer man would be lucky to have one or two oxen. Again the oxen were bought on his behalf by his agent, and no doubt his final approval was needed. But again late in the day was not the best time to choose for the purpose. This too was clearly an excuse. He was too taken up with his occupation to have the time or the inclination to attend the supper. The warning here was of allowing our jobs and occupations to so possess us that they prevent us responding to God's invitation into the Kingly Rule of God, because of what it might involve. There is no necessity that should prevent us responding to that.