14
The synagogue leader was irritated with Jesus for healing on the day of worship. The leader told the crowd, "There are six days when work can be done. So come on one of those days to be healed. Don't come on the day of worship."
15
The Lord said, "You hypocrites! Don't each of you free your ox or donkey on the day of worship? Don't you then take it out of its stall to give it some water to drink?
16
Now, here is a descendant of Abraham. Satan has kept her in this condition for 18 years. Isn't it right to free her on the day of worship?"
17
As he said this, everyone who opposed him felt ashamed. But the entire crowd was happy about the miraculous things he was doing.
18
Jesus asked, "What is the kingdom of God like? What can I compare it to?
19
It's like a mustard seed that someone planted in a garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds nested in its branches."
20
He asked again, "What can I compare the kingdom of God to?
21
It's like yeast that a woman mixed into a large amount of flour until the yeast worked its way through all the dough."
22
Then Jesus traveled and taught in one city and village after another on his way to Jerusalem.
23
Someone asked him, "Sir, are only a few people going to be saved?" He answered,
24
"Try hard to enter through the narrow door. I can guarantee that many will try to enter, but they won't succeed.