17 When he put it that way, his critics were left looking quite silly and red-faced. The congregation was delighted and cheered him on.

The Parable of the Mustard Seed

18 Then he said, "How can I picture God's kingdom for you? What kind of story can I use? 19 It's like a pine nut that a man plants in his front yard. It grows into a huge pine tree with thick branches, and eagles build nests in it."

The Parable of the Leaven

20 He tried again. "How can I picture God's kingdom? 21 It's like yeast that a woman works into enough dough for three loaves of bread - and waits while the dough rises."

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Luke 13:17-21

Commentary on Luke 13:10-17

(Read Luke 13:10-17)

Our Lord Jesus attended upon public worship on the sabbaths. Even bodily infirmities, unless very grievous, should not keep us from public worship on sabbath days. This woman came to Christ to be taught, and to get good to her soul, and then he relieved her bodily infirmity. This cure represents the work of Christ's grace upon the soul. And when crooked souls are made straight, they will show it by glorifying God. Christ knew that this ruler had a real enmity to him and to his gospel, and that he did but cloak it with a pretended zeal for the sabbath day; he really would not have them be healed any day; but if Jesus speaks the word, and puts forth his healing power, sinners are set free. This deliverance is often wrought on the Lord's day; and whatever labour tends to put men in the way of receiving the blessing, agrees with the design of that day.

Commentary on Luke 13:18-22

(Read Luke 13:18-22)

Here is the progress of the gospel foretold in two parables, as in Matthew 13. The kingdom of the Messiah is the kingdom of God. May grace grow in our hearts; may our faith and love grow exceedingly, so as to give undoubted evidence of their reality. May the example of God's saints be blessed to those among whom they live; and may his grace flow from heart to heart, until the little one becomes a thousand.