-THE LIFE OF CHRIST - THE GALILEAN MINISTRY

-Jesus Pronounces Woe Upon Several Cities

-Matt 11:20-30

-Jesus upbraided these particular cities because “they repented not” in spite of the many mighty

 and miraculous acts that Jesus conducted within them.

     -Jesus had just addressed the Jewish leaders’ unwillingness to repent.  In these verses, Jesus

    continued to teach on this important topic. 

-McGarvey and Pendleton summarized this passage very well.  “Several great truths are taught

  in this paragraph.  We note the following:  1.  Every hearer of the gospel is left either much more

  blessed or much more wretched.  2.  That the miracles which Jesus wrought were calculated to

  lead men to repentance, for they demonstrated his authority to demand that man should repent. 

  3.  That even among those who stand condemned at the judgment there is a difference, and that

  it shall be more tolerable for some than for others.  4.  That God takes account of our opportunities

  when he comes to measure our guiltiness” (pg 287).

-It is interesting to note some information regarding the cities referenced by Jesus and what

  happened to them.  “Tyre and Sidon were neighboring Phoenician cities on the Mediterranean

  coast and were noted for their luxury and impiety.  This comparison between the pagan cities on

  the seacoast and the Galilean cities by the lake no doubt sounded strange to Jesus’ disciples, but

  in the years which followed Tyre and Sidon received the gospel…and Tyre became a Christian

  city, while Tiberias, just south of Capernaum, became the seat of Jewish Talmudism”  

  (McGarvey/Pendleton, pgs 286-287).  In regards to the cities upon which the woe was directed,

   McGarvey and Pendleton go on to say, “Though Jesus was not displeased with the walls and

  houses, but with those who dwelt in them, yet the uncertain sites of these cities are marked only

  by ruins, and present to the traveler who searches among rank weeds for their weather-worn

  stones that tokens of God’s displeasure against the people who once dwelt there.  In less

  than thirty years these three cities were destroyed” (pgs 287-288).

-One additional note – Capernaum is described as being “exalted unto heaven”.  This shows how

 privileged the inhabitants of this city were due to the fact that Jesus chose this site as His dwelling

 place during the Galilean ministry.  Ephesians 3:17 tells us that “Christ may dwell in your hearts by

 faith”.  Now, consider how privileged and exalted we are as Christians!  Yet remember, with

 privilege comes responsibility.

-Jesus then directed His attention to the Father.  “Christ’s burdened heart turned to His Father”

 (Roper – 4, pg 28).

     -Christ was thankful that God had hidden these things from the wise (those who considered

     themselves to be wise – the Jewish leaders) and had revealed them unto babes (those who,

     like children, were pure and humble in regards to their reception of truth).

   -In verse 27, we find another reference to the authority of Christ and unity with the Father.

   -In verses 28-30, we find a great invitation extended by Jesus.  He invites us to escape the

     burdens of this life (especially the burden of sin) by coming to Him and serving Him.

        -“In coming to him there is ‘a peace which passeth all understanding;’ in believing in him,

          ‘joy;’ in following him ‘through evil and good report,’ a comfort ‘which the world giveth

          not;’ in bearing trials and in persecution, ‘the hope of glory;’ and in keeping his
            commandments, great reward” (Barnes’ Notes).