On the road between Caedasa and Tyre is a farm.  When its owner heard that the Prophet was in the neighbourhood, he sent out people to find Him and invite Him to go to the farm where He would be safe from the snares of the Pharisees.  But the owner was himself a Pharisee and he intended to examine Jesus, perhaps to tempt Him to betray Himself and then deliver Him over to the government.  Jesus told the messenger that He would gladly accept the hospitality if He might bring his companions with Him.  That was not in the Pharisee’s plan, first, because of the quantity of food and drink so many persons would need; and second, because under such protection it would be difficult to lay hands on the demagogue.  But in order to get the one, there was nothing for it but to include the others.  They were respectfully received and entertained.  The host testified to his joy at entertaining under his roof the “Saviour of Judaea,” and was delighted with the Master’s principles.  He gave a great banquet in His honour with the choicest viands and costliest drinks to which the disciples, who were somewhat hungry and thirsty, heartily did justice, while the Master, who never spoiled a glad hour, cheerfully did the same.  When tongues were loosened, the host wanted straightway to begin with artful allusions and questions, but his guest was a match for him.

Jesus had observed that, while they were feeding so luxuriously in the hall, needy folk were harshly turned away in the courtyard, to slink off hungry and embittered.  So He suddenly said that good stories suited good wine, and He would tell one.  “That is delightful!” exclaimed the host.  And Jesus related the following: 

“There was once a rich man who wore the most costly garments, and enjoyed the most luxurious food and drink, and lived in complete contentment.  One day there came to his door a sick, half-starved man, who begged for a few of the crumbs that fell from the table.  The proud man was wrathful that the miserable wretch should dare to disturb his pleasure, and let loose his hounds.  But instead of worrying the man, the dogs licked his ulcers, and he crawled ashamed into a hole.  On the very day on which the wretched creature died, death came also to the rich man, casting his well-fed body into the grave and his soul into hell.  And there his wretched soul endured most horrible torture, gnawing hunger and parching thirst, and the pain was increased when the dead man looked into Paradise and saw there the man he had sent away despised from his door sitting by Abraham.  He saw how ripe fruits grew there, and clear springs gushed forth.  Then he called up, ’Father Abraham.  I implore you, tell the man sitting by you to dip his finger-tips into the water and cool my tongue, for I suffer unbearable torture.’  To which Abraham answered, ’No, my son, that cannot be.  You received all that was good on earth and forgot the poor, now he forgets you.  There is no longer any connection between