¹⁶ Then Jesus said to him, A certain man prepared a great supper and invited many people. ¹⁷ And he sent his servant at supper time to say to those who were bidden, Come, for all things are now ready. ¹⁸ And they all at once began to make excuse. The first said to him, I have bought a farm, and I need to go and see it; I pray you, have me excused.