The Gospel and the Kingdom - Matthew - Jesus' Rebuke - Part 3

 

TEXT: Matthew 11:23-24 – “²³ And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades; for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. ²⁴ But I say to you that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment than for you.”

Continuing our study in the Book of Matthew. We have started looking at Jesus as He reassures the disciples of John the Baptist rebukes several cities, rejoices in His Father’s wisdom, and reveals that He is the only way to the Father in Chapter 11. We saw that even the strongest of Saints can be affected by Doubt, Despair, and Depression. 

Today, let us finish our look at Matthew’s account of the Rebuking by the Savior. We contemplated the cities of Korazin and Bethsaida. We conclude with Capernaum. Again, let us consider its privilege in verse 23. Jesus also did many miracles as He taught in their midst. It is one of the three key cities in which Jesus spent much of his ministry. It was part of the “Evangelical Triangle,” the small area where most of Jesus’ miracles were displayed (Matt. 11:20). They had been blessed with an abundance of evidence and teaching.

He calls them out because of their pride in verse 23. Looked at themselves as being exalted into Heaven. Yet, they rejected Him. They did not repent and seek the Kingdom of God. They did not believe in Him as the promised Messiah. They thought they had it made.

And because of this, He spoke of their upcoming punishment in verse 24. Jesus proclaims that Sodom will be better off in the day of Judgment. Sodom destroyed by fire and brimstone for their wickedness. All traces of Sodom have been covered – possibly the Dead Sea. The people of Capernaum had rejected Him. They did not repent and seek the Kingdom of God. They did not believe in Him as the promised Messiah. Once again, this is a fearful declaration coming from Jesus.

Three quick takeaways – Warning to our nation today as we conclude this section of study.

1. To those whom much is given – much is required. (Luke 12:48)
2. Even those who are used by God in mighty ways can face punishment
3. We as a nation need to return to admitting Jesus is God and follow His teaching in His Word.

Tomorrow we will move into Jesus' Rejoicings.