We’re continuing on in Matthew 11 from the previous lesson. Now Jesus begins to predict judgment on unbelieving cities (remember, I’ve been explaining the common, wrong explanation of Matthew 11:12, review Lesson 110, if necessary). Still, consistent with the context, it doesn’t appear that men are eagerly pressing into the kingdom as some suppose is the meaning of verse 12.
Jesus continues in verse 20, “Then He began to rebuke the cities where most of His miracles had been performed, because they did not repent.” The verb “rebuke” (upbraid, denounce, reproach, in other translations) is from oneidizo, an expression of disapproval, sometimes translated revile, taunt, or defame. The context is clear. Jesus is not commending men for rushing to accept Him; instead, He’s predicting judgment on them for rejecting Him and His message. Did you notice what Matthew says here, Jesus condemns the cities where “most” of His miracles had been done.
“Woe to you Chorazin! Woe to you Bethsaida! If the miracles done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long before now in sackcloth and ashes. I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you.” (Verses 21 and 22) Chorazin and Bethsaida were cities just north of the Sea of Galilee. Not much is known about Chorazin. But Jesus spent a lot of time in Bethsaida, as Andrew, Phillip and Peter were all from that city (John 1:44).
There are several interesting points to examine here. The first is that Jesus illustrates how the Gospel message is received or rejected by different peoples. He’s rebuking Chorazin and Bethsaida for not receiving Him and His message, and unflatteringly compares them to two ancient Canaanite cities on the Mediterranean coast (present-day Lebanon). Tyre and Sidon were known for their wealth and dedication to idolatry, yet Jesus says they would have repented had they seen and heard what had been done in Chorazin and Bethsaida.
The second is Jesus’ mention of degrees of punishment for unbelief, “it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment”. The “day of judgment” is the final judgment of the wicked dead in Revelation 20:11-15. There are several instances where Jesus implies eternal punishment will be worse for some than for others (compare Matthew 23:14, Mark 12:38-40 and Luke 11:31-32).
Then in verses 23 and 24 Jesus uses the same comparison. Capernaum was a fishing village on the north shore of the Sea of Galilee. Jesus basically asks the question in verse 23 “will you be lifted up to heaven?” then answers His own question with, “No, you will be brought down to hell!” Again, Capernaum was no stranger to Jesus and His message. This was where He and several of His disciples lived and made their headquarters during His public ministry (Matthew 4:13, Mark 1:21-39). And yet again, the unflattering comparison to Sodom, and if you need to refresh your memory regarding this city, read Genesis 18 and 19.
So, if we understand correctly Jesus’ rebukes the cities where He spent a good amount of time, where “most” of His miracles were done. And they did not embrace Him and His kingdom with eager enthusiasm, as has been supposed. Let’s go on.
Now Jesus begins to talk to the Father and exposes a common human failing. This is what He says, “Then Jesus said, I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and have revealed them to the childlike. Yes, Father, this was Your good pleasure.” (Verses 25 and 26) The “wise and learned” above is a reference to the Jewish religious leaders and those who followed their teaching. There is a hint of sarcasm here that is obvious. Jesus is really making reference to those who think they are wise and learned, those who are merely wise in the ways of the world.
Probably everyone knows someone who thinks they are too smart to accept the claims of Jesus. Paul talks about these people in Romans 1:21-22 and I Corinthians 1:18-21. Yet, God resists the proud and reveals Himself to the humble (James 4:6). Jesus makes it clear that we must be like little children (dependent and trusting), if we are to enter His kingdom (Matthew 18:3). So, here we have yet another condemnation, not of those rushing to enter the kingdom, but of those who resist it.
Then Jesus emphasizes the complete relationship He has with the Father, and His willingness to share it with all who want to know. “All things have been entrusted to Me by My Father; and no one fully understands the Son except the Father, and no one fully understands the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him.” (Verse 27) In other words, “I know who I am and who the Father is and if you will listen to me, I’ll tell you everything you need to know.”
This passage then ends with Jesus’ first recorded general invitation to all men to reject religion and learn to live in true spiritual freedom. I’ll not break it down for you, but instead will give you my expanded contextual translation. This is the well known “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
“Come to Me, everyone who is tired and weighted down with religious requirements, and I will give you relief. Walk with Me and see how I do it. When you’re gentle and humble in heart like I am, you learn to relax. I won’t put anything harsh or hurtful on you and you’ll learn to live in freedom.”