There are times that wicked deeds appear better in God’s sight than fake religion and superficial righteousness. Jesus minces no words to condemn the unrepentant Jews stating that the most sinful cities like Tyre, Sidon, Sodom, etc. were less damned than them.
Overview
Passage/s: Matthew 11:20-24; 10.12-15
Context
Riches:
- Chosen people of God
- Custodians of God’s law
- Christ in person
Response:
Complacence – Did not repent..
- In spite of messiah
- miracles
- Messages correlating them with OT prophecy
Result:
- Condemnation – of the worst level.
- Levels of judgement
Objectives
To understand that:
- Good works in themselves are not adequate for righteousness
- Good works could, in fact be a deterrant to righteousness
- It is the faith and heart that God is more concerned about
Bible Passage
Matthew 11:20 Then Jesus began to denounce the towns in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent. 21 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.
Bible Passage
Matthew 11:22 But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you.23 And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted to the heavens? No, you will go down to Hades. For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. 24 But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.”
Matthew 10:12 As you enter the home, give it your greeting. 13 If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you. 14 If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet. 15 Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.
Context
The center of Jesus’ Galilean ministry was an area now called the “evangelical triangle.” At the points of this triangle were the towns of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum. [1]
Chorazin
“Chorazin is located about 2.5 miles north of the Sea of Galilee, situated on the basalt hills above Capernaum. On the hill are the ruins of 1st century AD Chorazin, which has never been excavated.
Chorazin (cont'd)
“Chorazin is located about 2.5 miles north of the Sea of Galilee, on the basalt hills above Capernaum. The ruins of 1st century AD Chorazin, have never been excavated.
Excavations on the south of the site, in 1926, have revealed the “Seat of Moses”. Jesus mentions it in Matthew 23:1-3” [1]
Bethsaida
The location of Bethsaida has been uncertain for centuries and has been a recent topic of academic debate.
Excavators argue the topography has changed:
1.Earthquake and tectonic activity have altered the topography.
2.The Jordan River has changed course over time.
3.Deposits from the Jordan have increased the size of the delta.
Jesus, noteably heals the blind man and moves to Bethsaida after feeding 5000 (Mark 8:22-25, 45-51) [1]
Capernaum
Jesus stayed at Peter’s house when in Capernaum Mt 4:13-14; 8:20). Aerial view of Peter’s House (top left) and the synagogue (bottom right) is shown. Capernaum also refused to repent and accept Jesus’ claims to the office of Messiah, The New Testament tells us that Jesus performed many of his miracles in the “evangelical triangle.” [1]
Riches
The Jews were rich. They represented:
- Chosen people of God
- Custodians of God’s law
They experienced Christ in person
Response
Complacence – They did not repent.. in spite of the:
- Messiah
- Miracles
- Messages correlating Christ with Old Testament prophecy
Retaining and removing peace
Those who welcome the disciples receive the “peace”, those who don’t get dust shaken off on them – a symbol of the worst judgment.
Result – condemnation of the worst level.
Jesus says in Matthew 11:24 “But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.”
This verse also indicates that there are different levels of punishment and reward at the judgment.
Brazen profanity beats shallow piety hands down.
When profanity surpasses piety
For those to whom God has unravelled His mystery
Irrespective of the extent of superficial piety
The worst sin is insubordination to Christ’s deity
Recap
Matthew 11:20-24; 10.12-15
Context
Riches:
The Jews were the:
- Chosen people of God
- Custodians of God’s law
- Christ in person
Recap (Cont'd)
Response:
Complacence – Did not repent..
- In spite of Messiah
- Miracles
- Messages correlating them with OT prophecy
Result:
Condemnation – of the worst level.
Discussion
Matthew 11:20-24; 10.12-15
1.If God considers the externally pious worse than the worst sinners (in our terms), how does that change our outlook?
2.In what ways do we slip into piety instead of purity?
3.What is true godliness and goodness in the light of these passages? How can we emulate that in our lives?