014:016 "A man once gave a great dinner," replied Jesus, "to which
he invited a large number of guests.
014:017 At dinner-time he sent his servant to announce to those who had
been invited, "`Come, for things are now ready.'
014:018 "But they all without exception began to excuse themselves. The first told him, "`I have purchased a piece of land, and must of necessity go and look at it. Pray hold me excused.'
014:019 "A second pleaded, "`I have bought five yoke of oxen, and am
on my way to try them. Pray hold me excused.'
014:020 "Another said, "`I am just married. It is impossible for
me to come.'
014:021 "So the servant came and brought these answers to his master, and they stirred his anger. "`Go out quickly,' he said, `into the streets of the city—the wide ones and the narrow. You will see poor men, and crippled, blind, lame: fetch them all in here.'
014:022 "Soon the servant reported the result, saying, "`Sir, what you
ordered is done, and there is room still.'
014:023 "`Go out,' replied the master, `to the high roads and hedge-rows,
and compel the people to come in, so that my house may be filled.
014:024 For I tell you that not one of those who were invited shall
taste my dinner.'"
014:025 On His journey vast crowds attended Him, towards whom He
turned and said,