18 Then Jesus asked, âWhat is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to?
19
It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds perched in its branches.â
20
Again he asked, âWhat shall I compare the kingdom of God to?
21
It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds[a]of flour until it worked all through the dough.â
The Narrow Door
22 Then Jesus went through the towns and villages, teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem.
23
Someone asked him, âLord, are only a few people going to be saved?â He said to them,
24
âMake every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to.
25
Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, âSir, open the door for us.â âBut he will answer, âI donât know you or where you come from.â
26
âThen you will say, âWe ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.â
27
âBut he will reply, âI donât know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!â