17
When Jesus said this, all of those who were criticizing him were ashamed, but the entire crowd rejoiced at all the wonderful things Jesus was doing.
18
Then Jesus said, "What is God's kingdom like? What can I compare it with?
19
It is like a mustard seed that a man plants in his garden. The seed grows and becomes a tree, and the wild birds build nests in its branches."
20
Jesus said again, "What can I compare God's kingdom with?
21
It is like yeast that a woman took and hid in a large tub of flour until it made all the dough rise."
22
Jesus was teaching in every town and village as he traveled toward Jerusalem.
23
Someone said to Jesus, "Lord, will only a few people be saved?" Jesus said,
24
"Try hard to enter through the narrow door, because many people will try to enter there, but they will not be able.
25
When the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you can stand outside and knock on the door and say, 'Sir, open the door for us.' But he will answer, 'I don't know you or where you come from.'
26
Then you will say, 'We ate and drank with you, and you taught in the streets of our town.'
27
But he will say to you, 'I don't know you or where you come from. Go away from me, all you who do evil!'