Matthew 11:20-24 Woe to Unrepentant Cities

Jesus began to declare publicly the evil of certain cities. While he is disapproving of their behavior, let’s not miss out on his disappointment expressed through woes. A woe is not a curse, but an interjection of denunciation and grief. Why? Because most of Jesus’ mighty works were performed in them and they did not repent. Chorazin and Bethsaida (its name means house of fish) were small fishing villages around the Sea of Galilee. Peter, Andrew, and Phillip were from Bethsaida. Jesus compares them with Tyre and Sidon - cities that during Old Testament times opposed God and his prophets and were judged for it. If Tyre and Sidon had seen what they have seen they would have repented (sackloth as a garment and ashes either on the head or sitting on them were used in mourning). Therefore, in the day of judgment they will suffer more than Tyre and Sidon, indicating different levels of judgment.

Capernaum was a busy city near the Sea of Galillee. It was on the highway between Damascus and Acco. Jesus compares it to Sodom, a city that during Old Testament times stood for sin and was destroyed by God. He says it would still be around if the mighty works Capernaum witnessed had been performed there. Today, Capernaum lies in ruins just like Chorazin and Bethsaida. And the people who lived there will have to face the Lord on the day of judgment in the future. An encounter with Jesus and his gospel requires a response. Jesus’ followers are those who have responded with repentance to his work and message. Repentance is a change of mind. It is an acceptance of our sinful, rebellious state with God and a decision to seek his forgiveness and reconciliation. If we reject Jesus and his message, woe to us! Ruin awaits us in this life and judgment in the life to come.

Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner. Forgive my sins and restore my soul to be in fellowship with you. Grant me a truly repentant heart that seeks after you all the days of my life. Spare me from the fate of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum!

Matthew 15:21-28 The Faith of a Canaanite Woman

The districts of Tyre and Sidon were at the coast of the Mediterranean, far away from the Sea of Galilee. Jesus chooses this region to get away from the crowds and rest. It is important to note that Tyre and Sidon are Gentile regions and God had already pronounced judgment upon these cities for their unbelief. But one Canaanite (non-Jew, pagan Gentile) woman from that region came after Jesus crying and begging him to heal her daughter. Faith doesn't give up.

At first, Jesus does not respond to her cry. Why doesn't he? He clearly states that he came to the lost sheep of Israel. His refusal to serve her need is not lack of compassion, but a sense of purpose. God wants to reach out to Israel first; then the Gentile world later. Besides, you have to consider that he went there to rest and those cities had not displayed faith very well in the past. Faith pursues with persistence.

Getting through the apostles, she kneels down before Jesus and asks for help. Faith overcomes obstacles. Jesus' answer is shocking: "It is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs." The Jews would insult the Gentiles by calling them dogs, but Jesus uses an affectionate term "little dog". He is not trying to insult her; he is trying to make her realize that there is an agenda and her turn was not yet.

The woman's reply: "...even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall..." displays great faith. Faith pushes the limits. The pagan god of healing was about 3 miles from there, but she chooses Jesus. She understands somewhat who Jesus is because she calls him Son of David. And she understands somewhat the promise of blessing to those outside the house of Israel through the promise to Abraham. Faith understands the promises of the kingdom.

My faith is so little. In pursuing the promises of the kingdom, I have given up more than once. I don't pursue with the persistence of true conviction. When obstacles come my way, I paralyze in fear. All because I don't understand well the promises of the kingdom. Oh Lord, help me in my unbelief! Grant me to believe like this Canaanite woman!