17. When it was time for the banquet, he sent his servant to tell those who were invited, ‘Come! Everything is ready now.’
18. “Everyone asked to be excused. The first said to him, ‘I bought a field, and I need to see it. Please excuse me.’
19. Another said, ‘I bought five pairs of oxen, and I’m on my way to see how well they plow. Please excuse me.’
20. Still another said, ‘I recently got married, and that’s why I can’t come.’