16-17. Jesus followed up. “Yes. For there was once a man who threw a great dinner party and invited many. When it was time for dinner, he sent out his servant to the invited guests, saying, ‘Come on in; the food’s on the table.’
18. “Then they all began to beg off, one after another making excuses. The first said, ‘I bought a piece of property and need to look it over. Send my regrets.’
19. “Another said, ‘I just bought five teams of oxen, and I really need to check them out. Send my regrets.’
20. “And yet another said, ‘I just got married and need to get home to my wife.’