9. Maybe the tree will have fruit on it next year. If it still does not produce, then you can cut it down.’”
10. Jesus taught in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath day.
11. A woman was there who had an evil spirit inside her. It had made the woman crippled for 18 years. Her back was always bent; she could not stand up straight.
12. When Jesus saw her, he called to her, “Woman, you have been made free from your sickness!”
13. He laid his hands on her, and immediately she was able to stand up straight. She began praising God.
14. The synagogue leader was angry because Jesus healed on the Sabbath day. He said to the people, “There are six days for work. So come to be healed on one of those days. Don’t come for healing on the Sabbath day.”
15. The Lord answered, “You people are hypocrites! All of you untie your work animals and lead them to drink water every day—even on the Sabbath day.
16. This woman that I healed is a true descendant of Abraham. But Satan has held her for 18 years. Surely it is not wrong for her to be made free from her sickness on a Sabbath day!”
17. When Jesus said this, all those who were criticizing him felt ashamed of themselves. And all the people were happy for the wonderful things he was doing.
18. Then Jesus said, “What is God’s kingdom like? What can I compare it to?
19. God’s kingdom is like the seed of the mustard plant. Someone plants this seed in their garden. The seed grows and becomes a tree, and the birds build nests on its branches.”
20. Jesus said again, “What can I compare God’s kingdom with?
21. It is like yeast that a woman mixes into a big bowl of flour to make bread. The yeast makes all the dough rise.”
22. Jesus was teaching in every town and village. He continued to travel toward Jerusalem.