Albert Barnes Commentary Luke 14:18

"And they all with one [consent] began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a field, and I must needs go out and see it; I pray thee have me excused." — Luke 14:18 (ASV)

I have bought a piece of ground. Perhaps he had purchased it on condition that he found it as good as it had been represented to him.

I must needs go. I am obliged to go and see it; possibly pleading a contract or an agreement that he would go soon and examine it.

However, we may learn from this that sinners sometimes plead that they are under a necessity to neglect the affairs of religion. The affairs of the world, they pretend, are so pressing that they cannot find time to attend to their souls. They have no time to pray, or read the Scriptures, or keep up the worship of God.

In this way many lose their souls. God cannot regard such an excuse for neglecting religion with approval. He commands us to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, nor can He approve any excuse that people may make for not doing it.