“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you.” (Matthew 11:21-22)
This verse is rich. I see a few things here. First, Jesus is addressing Chorazin and Bethsaida, two points of the “evangelical triangle.” (The third point is Capernaum, which is addressed in the next verse.) These cities are labeled such because the bulk of Jesus’ and the disciples’ work was done among them. Jesus’ Galilean HQ was Capernaum. Bethsaida was the hometown of Peter, Andrew, and Phillip. That Chorazine and Bethsaida are being called out like this indicates a significant lack of response. In other words, not everyone will believe. And in certain cases, a lot of Gospel presence still does not change the hardness of heart.
Second, we can see a principle mentioned in Luke 12:48, “To whom much is given, much will be required.” I see this in the comparison of the judgment for Chorazine and Bethsaida versus Tyre and Sidon. Tyre and Sidon were known for their pride (Ezekiel 28), Ba’al worship, and minimal gospel presence. Yet, Jesus says they would have repented had they had the gospel presence that Chorazin and Bethsaida had. While all sinners stand guilty before a holy God, it appears there will be varying levels or degrees of punishment.
Father, forgive me for so much indifference to what you have blessed me with. You have given me free access to your word and good Bible teachers. Yet, at times – far too often! – I have an indifferent spirit about walking in the Spirit or helping others know Christ. Please revive my heart. Amen.
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