Matthew 11:20-24 Woe to Unrepentant Cities

Chorazin was a small village near the Sea of Galilee. Today, it is associated with modern Korazeh which has been inhabited for many years. The only attraction at this place are ruins of structures made of basalt (a black volcanic rock). Bethsaida was a small fishing village at the Sea of Galilee. It is believed to be the birthplace of Peter, but today it is no longer a fishing village. Due to some volcanic movements and a receding shoreline, Bethsaida is now quite a distance from the sea. Capernaum was the city Jesus used as a base for his ministry years. Today, it lies in ruins also.

These cities were a witness to the greatness of our Lord Jesus Christ and did not believe. Many miracles were performed in them and yet, they did not respond with faith. Due to their unbelief, Jesus pronounces a curse upon them. Not only are the cities at a great disadvantage today, but their people will be judged for their unbelief on the day of judgment. The reality of heaven and hell was preached by Jesus on many occasions and here is one of them. Unbelief leads to judgment.

There seems to be degrees of judgment also. Our Lord compares the cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum with Tyre, Sidon, and Sodom. The latter cities were also subject to judgment due to their unbelief. But Jesus says their judgment will be more bearable, less severe, than for the former cities. Tyre was a prosperous island city that today lies in ruins. Sidon is a shadow of once an important commercial port. And Sodom, we all know the story, suffered a rain of fire and brimstone for their idolatry. Once a fertile plain, now lies near the Dead Sea and salt is all you can find in it.

This is a great warning that I must heed. I don't want to fall into unbelief. The consequences are too devastating. I want to respond to the call with repentance. Repentance is the first word of the Gospel message. To repent is to make an about face and change one's direction in life 180 deg. Repentance is not to feel sorry and then carry on with life as usual. Genuine repentance requires a radical change in my attitude towards God - from unbelief to belief. Lest I think repentance is a one shot deal, I must accept it as a daily process in my life. I must be repentant every day because I am a sinner still.

Lord, help my unbelief. I want to believe in you and your word. Give me a repentant heart and a contrite spirit. May I be aware of my sin day by day and submit to your mercy at every hour. Cleanse me and renew my soul for your glory, Amen.