17
When Jesus said this, all those who opposed him were put to shame. But the people were delighted. They loved all the wonderful things he was doing.
The Stories of the Mustard Seed and the Yeast
18 Then Jesus asked, "What is God's kingdom like? What can I compare it to?
19
It is like a mustard seed. Someone took the seed and planted it in a garden. It grew and became a tree. The birds sat in its branches."
20
Again he asked, "What can I compare God's kingdom to?
21
It is like yeast that a woman used. She mixed it into a large amount of flour. The yeast worked its way all through the dough."
The Narrow Door
22 Then Jesus went through the towns and villages, teaching the people. He was on his way to Jerusalem.
23
Someone asked him, "Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?" He said to them,
24
"Try very hard to enter through the narrow door. I tell you, many will try to enter and will not be able to.
25
The owner of the house will get up and close the door. Then you will stand outside knocking and begging. You will say, 'Sir, open the door for us.' "But he will answer, 'I don't know you. And I don't know where you come from.'
26
"Then you will say, 'We ate and drank with you. You taught in our streets.'
27
"But he will reply, 'I don't know you. And I don't know where you come from. Get away from me, all you who do evil!'