17
This shamed his enemies, but all the people rejoiced at the wonderful things he did.
18
Then Jesus said, “What is the Kingdom of God like? How can I illustrate it?
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It is like a tiny mustard seed that a man planted in a garden; it grows and becomes a tree, and the birds make nests in its branches.”
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He also asked, “What else is the Kingdom of God like?
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It is like the yeast a woman used in making bread. Even though she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough.”
22
Jesus went through the towns and villages, teaching as he went, always pressing on toward Jerusalem.
23
Someone asked him, “Lord, will only a few be saved?” He replied,
24
“Work hard to enter the narrow door to God’s Kingdom, for many will try to enter but will fail.
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When the master of the house has locked the door, it will be too late. You will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Lord, open the door for us!’ But he will reply, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.’
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Then you will say, ‘But we ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.’
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And he will reply, ‘I tell you, I don’t know you or where you come from. Get away from me, all you who do evil.’