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.
25
After the homeowner gets up and closes the door, [it's too late]. You can stand outside, knock at the door, and say, 'Sir, open the door for us!' But he will answer you, 'I don't know who you are.'
26
Then you will say, 'We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.'