A very rich man prepared a spectacular banquet and sent out the invitations well in advance. When the big day arrived and the tables were laden with delicacies, the man sent his servant to inform the guests that everything was ready.
Surprisingly, all the original invitees began making excuses not to attend.
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The first said, "I just bought a piece of land and I have to go and see it."
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The second said, "I bought five teams of oxen and I need to try them out."
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The third said, "I just got married, so I can't come."
When the servant returned empty-handed, the master was furious at his friends' disdain. However, he didn't want his celebration to be ruined. He ordered his servant, "Go quickly through the streets and alleys of the city, and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame."
Jesus' great teaching to our children was that God's call is for everyone, but it depends on each person to put aside the distractions of daily life to say "yes" to his invitation.
