Bible Verse Lookup
Mt 11:21-24
Chapter 11
21
“Alas for you, Chorazin and Bethsaida! If the miracles performed in you had taken place in Tyre and Sidon, the people there would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.
22
But I assure you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you.
23
And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to heaven? You will be brought down to the realm of the dead! For if the miracles performed in you had been done in Sodom, it would still be standing today!
24
But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than it will be for you.”
Commentaries
He Reproves the Cities of Galilee.
In a tone of sorrow, Jesus calls out to the cities where he was most actively involved in proclaiming the kingdom of God, urging them to turn to God. Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum were fortunate to witness Jesus and his followers’ missionary work firsthand. Yet, the weight of tradition and their self-reliance kept them from understanding the genuine freshness of the Gospel. Matthew shares these words of Jesus with a Christian community that constantly needs to turn and grow. The blessings that an individual or community receives are meant to be shared; they are both a gift and a responsibility. The more one receives, the more one has to give.