17
When he said these things, all his opponents were put to shame, but all those in the crowd rejoiced at all the extraordinary things he was doing.
Growth of God’s kingdom
18 Jesus asked, " What is God's kingdom like? To what can I compare it?
19
It's like a mustard seed that someone took and planted in a garden. It grew and developed into a tree and the birds in the sky nested in its branches."
20
Again he said, " To what can I compare God's kingdom?
21
It's like yeast, which a woman took and hid in a bushel of wheat flour until the yeast had worked its way through the whole."
Who will be saved?
22 Jesus traveled through cities and villages, teaching and making his way to Jerusalem.
23
Someone said to him, "Lord, will only a few be saved?" Jesus said to them,
24
" Make every effort to enter through the narrow gate. Many, I tell you, will try to enter and won't be able to.
25
Once the owner of the house gets up and shuts the door, then you will stand outside and knock on the door, saying, ‘Lord, open the door for us.' He will reply, ‘I don't know you or where you are from.'
26
Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.'
27
He will respond, ‘I don't know you or where you are from. Go away from me, all you evildoers!'