Because They Repented Not (Matthew 11:20)

2023-11-08

Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not: (Matthew 11:20)

Many miracles did not translate to much faith in the cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum. With much revelation, they chose indifference, faithlessness, hard-heartedness and rejecting the Lord. However, Jesus required repentance. He expected them to turn from whatever they were doing and trust in Him, because He is the difference between life and death. He sought glory to the Father and the salvation of the people. Accepting Christ is best for all parties involved.

What would proper repentance look like in their situation? Jesus defined it here: “they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes” (Matthew 11:21). They would have greatly mourned and turned to Him. When confronted with the Holy God of Israel, we should realize how bankrupt we are in sin and wickedness and embrace the Savior. Not everyone does. We should still respond this way even years later. In Jesus is life, and He is the light of men. Everything else is darkness.

The Lord gave the examples of Tyre and Sidon, and how they would have repented if they had seen what these three cities had seen. (A few chapters later, He goes there, and a woman responded in faith.) But what about this? “But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee” (Matthew 11:24). Wasn’t wicked Sodom judged back in Genesis 19? No, the real judgment has yet to be seen. And Capernaum will have it worse than them. Why? Because, though maybe they were not into the same things as those people, they had the Savior Jesus Christ willing to pardon all sin and they wouldn’t have Him.

Respond to Christ. He bore our sins in His own body on the cross of Calvary. He imparted real life to us. Our plight is entirely changed in Him.