v18-21 God's kingdom will grow - the seed must be planted, grow and become a fruit-bearing tree, or be the yeast mixed which will work through the mixture.
v23-30 Jesus doesn't directly answer the question of if only a few people are going to be saved. However, He says we should make every effort to enter through the narrow door because once it closes it will be final and many will be shut out. He does promise that people will come from North, East, South and West to take their places at the feast of the Kingdom of God and the first will be last and vice versa.
Whether Jesus knows someone or not is the determining factor in salvation. Eating or drinking with Jesus or having Him teaching in your vicinity is not enough. We need to know Him.
v31-35 Jesus replies to the Pharisees with authority, purpose and emotive feeling and despair.
Jesus calls us to give up everything we are and have and follow Him. If we don't, we cannot be His disciple.
14:7-14 Jesus was counter-cultural. The people were used to taking the place of honour, rather than lowering themselves for the sake of others. Jesus did this in every area of His life. Humbling yourself is what God calls us to do. We are to sow kindness to those who cannot repay us.
v15-24 Jesus responds by showing the ones at His feast will be blessed, but they won't be the ones people are expecting to be there.
v25 Jesus responds to large crowds following Him by explaining the cost of discipleship. It is not for everyone. It will divide families, involve carrying one's cross and following Jesus. It will involve giving up everything.
V28-35 The safeguard against spiritual wrecks and ineffectiveness are counting the cost, considering what it will be and then giving one's all.
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