16. Jesus replied with this story: “A man prepared a great feast and sent out many invitations.
17. When the banquet was ready, he sent his servant to tell the guests, ‘Come, the banquet is ready.’
18. But they all began making excuses. One said, ‘I have just bought a field and must inspect it. Please excuse me.’
19. Another said, ‘I have just bought five pairs of oxen, and I want to try them out. Please excuse me.’