Saying 64: The Parable of the Dinner Party

1Jesus said, “Someone was planning to have guests. When dinner was ready, they sent their servant to call the visitors.

2“The servant went to the first and said, ‘My master invites you.’

3“They said, ‘Some merchants owe me money. They are coming tonight. I need to go and give them instructions. Excuse me from the dinner.’

4“The servant went to another person and said, ‘My master invites you.’

5“They said, ‘I have just bought a house and am needed for the day. I will not have time.’

6“The servant went to another person and said, ‘My master invites you.’

7“They said, ‘My friend is getting married, and I am going to prepare the dinner. I cannot come. Excuse me from the dinner.’

8“The servant went to another person and said, ‘My master invites you.’

9“They said, ‘I have just bought a farm and am going to collect the rent. I cannot come. Excuse me.’

10“The servant went back and told the master, ‘The ones you invited to the dinner have excused themselves.’

11“The master said to their servant, ‘Go out to the roads and bring whoever you find so that they can have dinner.’

12“Buyers and merchants will not enter the places of my Father.”