Then said he, unto what is the kingdom of God like? &c.] The same with the kingdom of heaven, in ( Matthew 13:31 ) and so the Ethiopic version reads it here, "and whereunto shall I resemble it?" of this way of speaking, (See Gill on Mark 4:30).
16
So why isn't it all right for me to untie this daughter of Abraham and lead her from the stall where Satan has had her tied these eighteen years?"
17
When he put it that way, his critics were left looking quite silly and red-faced. The congregation was delighted and cheered him on.
18
Then he said, "How can I picture God's kingdom for you? What kind of story can I use?
19
It's like a pine nut that a man plants in his front yard. It grows into a huge pine tree with thick branches, and eagles build nests in it."
20
He tried again. "How can I picture God's kingdom?
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.