28 But if you take the lowest seat and then are honored by your host and asked to take a higher seat, you are esteemed an honored guest.
29 In this event we note a principle in life, That he who would exalt himself shall be abased, and he who humbles low himself shall be exalted in the sight of men.
30 Then Jesus spoke to all the guests; he said, When any one of you would make a feast it should not be for friends, or kindred, or the rich;
31 For they consider such a courtesy loaned out, and they feel called upon to make a greater feast for you, just in the payment of a debt.
32 But when you make a feast invite the poor, the lame, the blind; in this a blessing waits for you, for well you know that you will get naught in return; but in the consciousness of helping those who need, you will be recompensed.
33 And then he spoke a parable: he said, A wealthy man prepared a feast; he sent his servants forth to bid his chosen ones to come; but they desired not to go, and they formed such excuses as they thought would satisfy the would-be host.
34 One said, I have just bought a piece of land, and I must go and prove my title to the land; I pray to be excused.
35 Another said, I must go down and prove my ownership in sheep that I have bought; I pray to be excused.
36 Another said, I have been married but a little time and so I cannot go; I beg to be excused.
37 Now, when the servants came and told the man who had prepared the feast that those he had invited would not come,