Luke 14:12-24 - The Parable Of The Great Banquet

¹² Then he said to the Pharisee, that had invited him, when you give a dinner, or a supper, don't call your friends, or your brethren, or kinsmen, or wealthy neighbours; lest they invite you again, and make you a requital. ¹³ but when you make a feast call the poor, and maimed, the lame and blind: ¹⁴ and you shall be happy in not receiving a requital: for you shall be recompenc'd at the resurrection of the just.

¹⁵ One of the company hearing that, said to him, happy is he that shall be entertain'd in the kingdom of God.

¹⁶ upon which Jesus said, a certain man made a great entertainment; where many were invited. ¹⁷ at supper-time he sent his servant to tell the guests to come, because every thing was ready.

¹⁸ but they were all of a mind in making some excuse: the first said to him, I have bought a piece of ground, which I must needs go and see: therefore pray excuse me.

¹⁹ another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, which I am going to prove: I beg you to excuse me.

²⁰ another said, I have married a wife: 'tis therefore impossible for me to come.

²¹ so the servant return'd, and related the whole matter to his master, who in resentment said to his servant, go immediately into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring hither the poor, the maimed, the halt, and the blind.

²² at length the servant said, sir, your orders have been executed, and still there is room.

²³ the master reply'd, go then to the high-ways and by-paths, and compel them to come in, that my house may be full. ²⁴ for I tell you that not one of those, who were invited, shall taste of my supper.