Introduction

Luke 13:18–30: By means of three parables or word pictures—about a mustard seed, yeast, and the narrow door—Jesus teaches about God’s Kingdom.

Today’s Key Verse: Luke 13:29 GNT

“People will come from the east and the west, from the north and the south, and sit down at the feast in the Kingdom of God.”

Read

18 Jesus asked, “What is the Kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it with? 19 It is like this. A man takes a mustard seed and plants it in his field. The plant grows and becomes a tree, and the birds make their nests in its branches.”

20 Again Jesus asked, “What shall I compare the Kingdom of God with? 21 It is like this. A woman takes some yeast and mixes it with a bushel of flour until the whole batch of dough rises.”

22 Jesus went through towns and villages, teaching the people and making his way toward Jerusalem. 23 Someone asked him, “Sir, will just a few people be saved?”

Jesus answered them, 24 “Do your best to go in through the narrow door; because many people will surely try to go in but will not be able. 25 The master of the house will get up and close the door; then when you stand outside and begin to knock on the door and say, ‘Open the door for us, sir!’ he will answer you, ‘I don’t know where you come from!’ 26 Then you will answer, ‘We ate and drank with you; you taught in our town!’ 27 But he will say again, ‘I don’t know where you come from. Get away from me, all you wicked people!’ 28 How you will cry and gnash your teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets in the Kingdom of God, while you are thrown out! 29 People will come from the east and the west, from the north and the south, and sit down at the feast in the Kingdom of God. 30 Then those who are now last will be first, and those who are now first will be last.”

Reflect

What do the parables in today’s reading teach you about the Kingdom of God? Read verses 20–21 again. In Luke 12:1 (the reading for September 6), Jesus uses the metaphor of yeast to talk about corruption. Here, it is a slow and positive transformation. How do you respond to these images? The feast described in verse 29 builds on the vision of the end-time banquet described in Isaiah 25:6–9. How do you envision this feast? How does Jesus say we may join it?

Pray

We pray that your Kingdom will come, O God. Thank you for Jesus who shows us the way and invites us to the feast you have prepared for us there. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Luke 14:7–24: Jesus teaches about humility and hospitality.