Observing that the guests were choosing the best places for themselves, Jesus told them this parable--
Of all this Jesus spoke to the crowd in parables; indeed to them he used never to speak at all except in parables,
and like to have the place of honor at dinner, and the best seats in the Synagogues,
Alas for you Pharisees! You delight to have the front seat in the Synagogues, and to be greeted in the markets with respect.
"Be on your guard against the Teachers of the Law, who delight to walk about in long robes, and like to be greeted in the streets with respect, and to have the best seats in the Synagogues, and places of honor at dinner.
Nothing should be done in a factious spirit or from vanity, but each of you should with all humility regard others as of more account than himself,
I wrote a few lines to the Church; but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, declines to recognize us.