14. The man in charge of the meeting place was angry because Jesus had healed someone on the Sabbath. So he said to the people, “Each week has six days when we can work. Come and be healed on one of those days, but not on the Sabbath.”
15. The Lord replied, “Are you trying to fool someone? Won't any one of you untie your ox or donkey and lead it out to drink on a Sabbath?
16. This woman belongs to the family of Abraham, but Satan has kept her bound for eighteen years. Isn't it right to set her free on the Sabbath?”
17. Jesus' words made his enemies ashamed. But everyone else in the crowd was happy about the wonderful things he was doing.
18. Jesus said, “What is God's kingdom like? What can I compare it with?
19. It is like what happens when someone plants a mustard seed in a garden. The seed grows as big as a tree, and birds nest in its branches.”
20. Then Jesus said, “What can I compare God's kingdom with?
21. It is like what happens when a woman mixes yeast into three batches of flour. Finally, all the dough rises.”
22. As Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem, he taught the people in the towns and villages.
23. Someone asked him, “Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?”Jesus answered:
24. Do all you can to go in by the narrow door! A lot of people will try to get in, but will not be able to.
25. Once the owner of the house gets up and locks the door, you will be left standing outside. You will knock on the door and say, “Sir, open the door for us!”But the owner will answer, “I don't know a thing about you!”
26. Then you will start saying, “We dined with you, and you taught in our streets.”
27. But he will say, “I really don't know who you are! Get away from me, you evil people!”
28. Then when you have been thrown outside, you will weep and grit your teeth because you will see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets in God's kingdom.
29. People will come from all directions and sit down to feast in God's kingdom.
30. There the ones who are now least important will be the most important, and those who are now most important will be least important.
31. At that time some Pharisees came to Jesus and said, “You had better get away from here! Herod wants to kill you.”