The first two parables – that of the mustard seed and the yeast describe the power of the kingdom of God. In the first – the parable of the mustard seed we see the power of extension – a seed that increases out of proportion to its original size. In the second – the parable of yeast – we see the power of transformation – yeast seems innocuous enough, but it is capable of transforming the entirety of the dough.
The kingdom of God will change the world.
The narrow door to the palace is generally for servants and deliveries. The Pharisees and hypocrites who expected to arrive in grandeur and style would be refused entrance. The main doors wouldn't be accepting newcomers.
The Israelites at the time had been invited over and over to enter, but they refused the narrow gate. They wouldn't be caught attempting to enter without their layers and layers of Law or their rules. Things had to be just so for them to enter. It had to be on their terms.
Jesus tells us that God opens the door at the narrow gate for all who choose to hear and understand his call. Make every effort to enter through the narrow door. Don’t hesitate, don’t be late.
Notice that Jesus never answers the question posed to him in Luke 13:23, “Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?” He never says whether a few or many will be saved, only that many will be lost.
In the last verses of this passage, we see Jesus’ words regarding Gentiles. The patriarchs – Abraham, Isaiah and Jacob and all the prophets will be in the kingdom, but those who believe they have a birthright to the kingdom will be tossed out. There will be others, though who come from the east, west, north and south. They will be welcomed into the kingdom. They are the last to be beckoned and they will be first at the table.
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