Sidon and Sodom



Matthew 11:20-24
20Then he began to denounce the cities where most of his mighty works had been done, because they did not repent.
21“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.
22But I tell you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you.
23And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You will be brought down to Hades. For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.
24But I tell you that it will be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom than for you.”

As Jesus discusses the ministry of John, He speaks in defense of John’s ministry, comparing the derogatory things that have been said against John to the same type of language spoken against Him. Now it is time to help the people see that the condition of their own hearts stands in the way of them ever truly embracing His message.

For this largely Jewish audience, Jesus chooses some of their own history to make His point. His first reference is to the cities of Tyre and Sidon. These are located on the coast just slightly north of where these words are spoken. This was the birthplace of the evil Queen Jezebel and was famous for idolatry and ungodliness. These had never been God’s people and things hadn’t changed. Then He brings up Sodom, the city famous for its destruction. God rained down fire upon Sodom for their sinfulness and total lack of repentance. The people hearing these words would have most certainly gotten the message. “You just don’t get it. The people in these evil cities would have seen the miracles and gotten my message and repented. But not you guys!” [Translation according to Carolyn.] This was a poke in the nose and the people got it.

So, what do we experience as a moving of God’s power in our lives but refuse to see and believe? Are there times when our hearts are belligerent or do we flat out reject the Messenger because we don’t like the message? This passage begs that we pay attention to ALL that the Word has to say to us and take it to heart.

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