14
Then you will be blessed, because they have nothing and cannot pay you back. But you will be repaid when the good people rise from the dead."
15
One of those at the table with Jesus heard these things and said to him, "Happy are the people who will share in the meal in God's kingdom."
16
Jesus said to him, "A man gave a big banquet and invited many people.
17
When it was time to eat, the man sent his servant to tell the guests, 'Come. Everything is ready.'
18
"But all the guests made excuses. The first one said, 'I have just bought a field, and I must go look at it. Please excuse me.'
19
Another said, 'I have just bought five pairs of oxen; I must go and try them. Please excuse me.'
20
A third person said, 'I just got married; I can't come.'
21
So the servant returned and told his master what had happened. Then the master became angry and said, 'Go at once into the streets and alleys of the town, and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.'
22
Later the servant said to him, 'Master, I did what you commanded, but we still have room.'
23
The master said to the servant, 'Go out to the roads and country lanes, and urge the people there to come so my house will be full.
24
I tell you, none of those whom I invited first will eat with me.'"