True Disciple

After they had finished dinner at the Pharisee's house, Jesus began to teach. He had noticed that when the guests had arrived, each one tried to get the best place for himself. Jesus wanted them to think more of others than of themselves.

He said, "When you are invited to a wedding, do not choose the most honored place for yourself. A person more important than you may come. Then you will be asked to give your place to him, and you will be embarrassed. Instead, if you take the lowest place, you may be called up higher. Your friends will honor you."

Then Jesus turned to the Pharisee who had given the dinner and said, "When you prepare a feast, do not invite your friends and relatives and rich neighbors. They will return, your invitation. If you want to be rewarded in heaven, invite the poor and the crippled and the blind to your feasts. Such people cannot repay you, and God will bless you for your kindness."

One of the guests who listened to these words said, "Blessed is he who will eat bread in the kingdom of God."

To all those present Jesus told a story about the kingdom of God. He said:

"A certain man gave a great supper and invited many guests. When everything was ready, he sent his servant to bring the guests. But each one made an excuse for not attending.

"The first man said, I have just bought a piece of ground, and I must go to see it. Please excuse me this time.'

"Another man said, I have just bought five yoke of oxen and I want to try them out. I'd like to be excused this time.'

"A third said, T have just been married, and I want to stay home with my wife. Won't you please excuse me?'

"Everywhere the servant went the guests asked to be excused. The master was very angry when the servant returned alone. He ordered, 'Go quickly into the streets and lanes of the city. Bring the poor, the crippled, the old, and the blind.'

"The servant obeyed, but still there was room for more. The master said, 'Go out into the country places and bring others.' And the house was filled with hungry people who enjoyed the good food."