Luke 13:18-30

18So this led Him to say, “What is the kingdom of God like? And to what shall I compare it?

19It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his own garden; and it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the sky found shelter and nested in its branches.”

20And again He said, “To what shall I compare the kingdom of God?

21It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three peck measures of flour until it was all leavened.”

22Jesus journeyed on through cities and villages, teaching and making His way toward Jerusalem.

23And someone asked Him, “Lord, will only a few be saved [from the penalties of the last judgment]?” And He said to them,

24“Strive to enter through the narrow door [force aside unbelief and the attractions of sin]; for many, I tell you, will try to enter [by their own works] and will not be able.

25Once the head of the house gets up and closes the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock on the door [again and again], saying, ‘Lord, open to us!’ then He will answer you, ‘I do not know where you are from [for you are not of My household].’

26Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets’;

27but He will say to you, ‘I do not know where you are from; depart from Me, all you evildoers!’

28In that place there will be weeping [in sorrow and pain] and grinding of teeth [in distress and anger] when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but yourselves being thrown out and driven away.

29And people will come from east and west, and from north and south, and they will sit down [and feast at the table] in the kingdom of God.

30And behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.”