In the next 6 chapters in Matthew (11-16) we will see an increased confrontation and rejection from the Jewish leaders. Jesus will become increasingly bold as he makes His identity more known as the Messiah.
Jumping down to verse 20.
“Woe” is a major warning. BEWARE.
This might hit home for many if you live in a town where every block has a church on it.
Jesus compared Chorazin (can start with a K too), Bethsaida, and Capernaum to 3 Gentile cities that we have read about in the Old Testament: Tyre, Sidon, and Sodom. If Jewish people were asked “Name the 3 worst cities, filled with filth, sex, idolatry”, these 3 would be mentioned. However, Capernaum is Jesus’ “headquarters” and so many signs and miracles have been given to the Sea of Galilee area. Unfortunately, many are seeing and wanting more “blessing”, without repentance. (ouch, right!)
Capernaum was the place Jesus and Peter made their home. 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.”
Some of the miracles Capernaum has seen:
- The abundant fish were caught by 3 disciples,
- The Centurna’s servant was healed,
- Demonic healings,
- Healing at Peter’s mother in law’s house,
- Many sick and disease her healed,
- The Leper was healed,
- The man with the withered hand was healed,
- The paralytic was made to walk,
- Jairus’ daughter healed,
- Blind men were given sight,
- and some others
Reminds me of a Poem: (I LOVE)
I was shocked, confused,
bewildered As I entered Heaven’s door,
Not by the beauty of it all,
Nor the lights or its decor.
But it was the folks in Heaven
Who made me sputter and gasp–
The thieves, the liars, the sinners,
The alcoholics and the trash.
There stood the kid from seventh grade
Who swiped my lunch money twice.
Next to him was my old neighbor
Who never said anything nice.
Bob, who I always thought
Was rotting away in hell,
Was sitting pretty on cloud nine,
Looking incredibly well.
I nudged Jesus, ‘What’s the deal?
I would love to hear Your take.
How’d all these sinners get up here?
God must’ve made a mistake.
‘And why is everyone so quiet,
So somber – give me a clue.’
‘Hush, child,’ He said,
‘they’re all in shock.
No one thought they’d be seeing you.’
25 At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. 26 Yes, Father, for this, is what you were pleased to do.
The Jewish leaders were “wise” in their own eyes. Yet, many others who did not even grow up hearing the scriptures of the day had come before Jesus humbly and with great faith. Knowledge of the Bible is important so that we can learn about His unconditional Love and His Plan for our lives HOWEVER, it is not Faith. Think about how deeply and simply a child believes…that is the Faith He desires.
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
If you have grown up in church you know what a yoke is. SO now I want you to STOP and re-read it as if you were a child, not the “wise” who grew up hearing this scripture before. Don’t let it get watered down because it is familiar.
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Let the reading today speak to you. Let it be personal. Have a wonderful day.
Reading the Bible - 2021 