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Bible Studies / New Testament / Matthew
Verse-by-Verse Bible Study

Matthew 11:20–30

Rejecting Salvation… vs. 20-24

MatthewNew TestamentEnglish
These are the original teaching notes from this passage.
  • Review…
    • FIRST – The Presentation of the King – Matthew 1-7
    • SECOND – The Ministry of the King – Matthew 8-18
    • Lapse of Faith…
      • After Jesus sent out the TWELVE to spread the message of the GOSPEL [and went with them]
      • TWO disciples of John the Baptist – who was in PRISON – came asking if Jesus was the Christ…
      • John had been CERTAIN Jesus was the MESSIAH – but PRISON made him DOUBT…
      • The EVIDENCE – they were to tell John what they had SEEN and HEARD…
      • The BLIND could see – the LAME could walk – LEPERS were healed – the DEAD we raised…
      • All of which were the fulfillment of PROPHECIES about the MESSIAH!
    • End of the Old Covenant…
      • Jesus then turned to the CROWD and asked them – who was John the Baptist…
      • He was more than a PROPHET – because he was the one who PREPARED the way for the Christ…
      • He was the LAST prophet of the Old Testament – Elisha to those who BELIEVE…
      • But people did NOT listen to John [Old Covenant] – NOR did they listen to Jesus [New Covenant]
      • They were like kids playing in the market – who just wanted to be ENTERTAINED!
  • 1st – Rejecting Salvation… vs. 20-24
    • 1st – No Repentance… vs. 20
      • Rejecting…
        • Jesus sent out the TWELVE into the HARVEST – because it was RIPE – Matthew 9:37
        • But that did NOT mean that EVERYONE would receive the GOSPEL…
        • MANY had rejected the message of John the Baptist [thrown into prison]
        • And MANY more would reject the TWELVE Apostles [kick off the dust] – Matthew 10:14
      • Rebuking…
        • [Jesus] began to rebuke the cities in which most of His mighty works had been done.
        • Because they did not repent!
        • But the ones who had NO excuse – were the cities who saw the POWER [δύναμις] of Jesus…
        • People who saw the LAME walk – the LEPERS cleansed – and the DEAD raised…
        • They should have been the FIRST ones to REPENT and turn to the LORD!
        • Many people SAY that if only they could SEE Jesus – SEE miracles – they would believe…
        • But those who SAW everything [Jesus and Miracles] still refused to REPENT…
        • Because seeing is NOT believing – we must BELIEVE in order to see!
        • The desire of God is that EVERYONE goes to HEAVEN – II Peter 3:9
        • And ANYONE can be saved – because Jesus died for the SINS of the WHOLE world – John 3:16
        • But sadly – NOT everyone is going to be SAVED – there are MANY who will reject the Gospel…
        • And even if they see MIRACLES – it will NOT be enough to convince them!
    • 2nd – Woe to you… vs. 21-22
      • Ruined… vs. 21
        • Woe to you – Chorazin! Woe to you – Bethsaida!
        • Jesus declares TWO woes [οὐαί] – strong condemnation…
        • FIRST to Chorazin [furnace] – ONLY mentioned here and in the parallel account – Luke 10:13
        • The ruins of Korazim can be found around FOUR no kilometers north of Capernaum…
        • SECOND to Bethsaida [house of fish] – a small village very close to Capernaum…
        • It was the home town of Peter – Andrew – and Philip – John 1:44
        • Both cities are just a pile of RUINS today – no one lives there!
      • Mighty power… vs. 21
        • For if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon…
        • They would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes!
        • In both places Jesus had shown His POWER [δύναμις] – yet they had NOT repented…
        • Bethsaida was where Jesus fed over FIVE thousand men [plus women and kids] – Luke 9:10
        • YET – if those same works had been done in TYRE and SIDON [modern day Lebanon]
        • TWO port cities that were notorious for being very WICKED…
        • Sidon was the home of Jezebel – one of the most wicked women in the Bible – I Kings 16:31
        • IF they had seen the POWER of Jesus shown in Chorazin and Bethsaida…
        • They would have REPENTED in sackcloth and ashes [humility] long ago!
        • The Jews assumed they were OK with God because of WHERE they were born…
        • And they assumed those born to PAGAN nations had NO hope!
        • Matthew 3:9 – “Do not think to say to yourselves: We have Abraham as our father.”
      • Stricter Judgement… vs. 22
        • I say to you it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment than for you!
        • It will be BETTER [ἀνεκτός] for TYRE and SIDON on the Judgement Day [White Throne]
        • Than for the cities of Chorazin and Bethsaida!
        • We might think we are BLESSED to have been born in a CHRISTIAN nation…
        • And we might feel bad for the people who were born in BAD nations [North Korea or Iran]
        • But it is NOT about WHERE we are from – it is about WHERE we are going…
        • Someone who comes to Jesus that lives in IRAN – is far better off eternally…
        • Than someone from the PHILIPPINES – who NEVER repents…
        • Because God does not care about our NATIONALITY – He looks at our HEART!
    • 3rd – Brought down… vs. 23-24
      • To hell… vs. 23
        • You Capernaum – who are exalted to heaven – will be brought down to Hades!
        • CAPERNAUM – was at the heart of the ministry of Jesus [home base]
        • They saw MORE miracles – more of His POWER [δύναμις] – than anyone else…
        • Almost EVERY healing recorded to this point in Matthew – took place in CAPERNAUM…
        • The LEPER – the Centurions SERVANT – the PARALYTIC – and BLIND men…
        • The daughter of JAIRUS – the WOMEN with an issue of blood – the MUTE man…
        • But because they did NOT repent – they would NOT be lifted up [future] to HEAVEN [NU]
        • Instead they would be brought down [future] to HELL [ᾅδης]!
      • Destroyed… vs. 23
        • If the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Sodom…
        • It would have remained until this day!
        • YET – if those same works had been done in SODOM…
        • SODOM – the very name is synonymous with great EVIL [sodomite]
        • God wiped SODOM [and Gomorrah] off the earth with FIRE and BRIMSTONE – Genesis 19:24
        • YET – if SODOM had seen the POWER [δύναμις] of Jesus shown in CAPERNAUM…
        • The city would NOT have been destroyed – they would still be there today!
        • I was asked the other day why the God of the OLD Testament – WRATH and DESTRUCTION…
        • Was so different from the God of the NEW Testament – LOVE and GRACE!
        • The answer is there is NO difference – there is only ONE God…
        • The same God who JUDGED Sodom – also JUDGED Capernaum…
        • He is also the same God who would have FORGIVEN either – had they REPENTED!
      • Stricter Judgement… vs 24
        • I say to you that it shall be more tolerable for Sodom in the day of judgment than for you!
        • It will be BETTER [ἀνεκτός] for SODOM on the Judgement Day [White Throne]
        • Than for CAPERNAUM – that was at the very HEART of the ministry of Jesus!
        • Luke 12:48 – “When someone has been given much – much will be required in return.” [NLT]
        • I do not believe this means there are LEVELS of punishment…
        • There are only TWO destinations – HEAVEN and HELL…
        • And nowhere in the Bible does it state there are BETTER or WORSE spots in HELL…
        • But I do think the JUDGEMENT will be HARDER for those who KNOW the truth…
        • Imagine how terrible it will for those who are told continually about Jesus…
        • And see His POWER in the life of those around them – but do NOT repent [Capernaum]
        • When they stand before Jesus on JUDGEMENT day – they will have NO excuse!
  • 2nd – Who can be saved… vs. 25-30
    • 1st – Simple Truth… vs. 25-26
      • Hidden from Wise… vs. 25
        • At that time Jesus answered and said – I thank You Father – Lord of heaven and earth.
        • That You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent!
        • This no doubt brought up a QUESTION in the minds of those listening to Jesus…
        • If the CITIES at the heart of His MINISTRY had refused to REPENT – who would be SAVED…
        • In that very MOMENT [Ἐν ἐκείνῳ τῷ καιρῷ] – Jesus ANSWERED them…
        • AGREEING [ἐξομολογέω] with the FATHER – who is LORD [κύριος] of heaven and earth…
        • That SALVATION has been HIDDEN [ἀποκρύπτω] from the WISE – INTELLIGENT [συνετός]!
        • Now that does NOT mean that it is BAD to be WISE [σοφός] or SMART…
        • It means people who DEPEND on their WISDOM and INTELLIGENCE – get into trouble…
        • People who come up with WISE sounding RELIGIONS – to make themselves FEEL good…
        • Or very EDUCATED people who try and rationalize how God is NOT real!
        • Romans 1:22 – “Professing to be wise – they became fools.”
      • Revealed to kids… vs. 25-26
        • And have revealed them to babes. Even so Father – for so it seemed good in Your sight!
        • Instead God REVEALED [ἀποκαλύπτω] – SALVATION to little children [νήπιος]
        • Because – that is HOW God WANTED to SEE men be SAVED!
        • If I told you I would give you MONEY – if you smiled at me…
        • It means I WANT to give you MONEY – I am NOT making it hard!
        • God WANTS people to go to HEAVEN – He LOVES the whole world – John 3:16
        • Therefore – the Gospel message is NOT complicated – in fact it could NOT be simpler…
        • It is so SIMPLE – men have tried to ADD to it to make it more COMPLICATED…
        • They add WORKS – man made requirements – to make people EARN their salvation…
        • To be SAVED one must believe AND: tithe – be baptized [by them] – attend [their] church…
        • But they miss what even little CHILDREN understand – God LOVES us so He made it EASY…
        • Just BELIEVE in Jesus [died on the cross] – confess Him as Lord – and we are saved!
        • Romans 10:13 – “Whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.”
    • 2nd – Chosen by God… vs. 27
      • Knowing God… vs. 27
        • All things have been delivered to Me by My Father.
        • No one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son!
        • The FATHER has given all [πᾶς] RESPONSIBILITY to Jesus…
        • That includes the work of SALVATION – who goes to HEAVEN…
        • And the ONLY way to get to HEAVEN is to KNOW the FATHER…
        • KNOW [ἐπιγινώσκω] – to have an ongoing [present] personal RELATIONSHIP with Him…
        • But since ONLY the Son really KNOWS the FATHER – and the FATHER the Son…
        • Who then can have a RELATIONSHIP with Him – and be SAVED!
        • If a STRANGER came to my door and asked to come into my house – I would say NO…
        • But if a FRIEND brought a STRANGER over – then he would be welcome!
      • Who God Chooses… vs. 27
        • The one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him!
        • Whomever the SON wants to REVEAL [ἀποκαλύπτω] the FATHER to…
        • Therefore – the ONLY people who can be SAVED are the ones Jesus CHOSES!
        • I Peter 1:2 – “ELECT according to the FOREKNOWLEDGE of God the Father!”
        • ELECT [ἐκλεκτός] – to be CHOSEN by God…
        • This can be a hard concept for us to comprehend – God CHOOSES those who go to HEAVEN…
        • But when we got [or will get] married – we got to CHOSE who we spent our life with!
        • We want the freedom to CHOOSE who to spend our lives with…
        • It is FAIR that God gets to CHOOSE who He spends eternity with!
        • John 15:16 – “You did not CHOOSE Me – but I CHOSE you…”
      • How God Chooses…
        • While it is TRUE Jesus CHOOSES who gets to go to HEAVEN – it is only HALF the answer…
        • We must also ask – HOW does He make His CHOICE…
        • We are CHOSEN by the FOREKNOWLEDGE [πρόγνωσις] – to KNOW beforehand – of God!
        • Romans 8:29 – “For whom He FOREKNEW – He also predestined…”
        • Ephesians 1:4-5 – “He CHOSE us in Him before the foundation of the world…”
        • God is ETERNAL – meaning He has no beginning or end – Revelation 1:8
        • It does not mean God has an endless amount of TIME – it means God is outside of TIME…
        • God sees all of TIME – from Genesis to Revelation all at once!
        • Isaiah 46:10 – “Declaring the end from the beginning.”
        • Since God sees EVERYTHING – He knows exactly who will CHOOSE to believe in Jesus…
        • God CHEATS – He knew our CHOICE – before we ever made it…
        • He then CHOSE those who He knew would CHOOSE Him…
      • If we WANT to go to HEAVEN – all we have to do is CHOOSE Jesus…
      • Then we will find He CHOSE us before the world ever began!
    • 3rd – All are Welcome… vs. 28-30
      • The Command… vs. 28
        • Come to Me – all you who labor and are heavy laden – and I will give you rest!
        • Which is why Jesus commands [imperative] EVERYONE [πᾶς] to COME…
        • Those who LABOR [κοπιάω] – tired of trying to WORK for their SALVATION…
        • Those who are HEAVY [φόρτος] – cannot carry [perfect] the WEIGHT of all their SIN…
        • And Jesus will give to us REST [ἀναπαύω] – we no longer WORK for our salvation!
        • If I BORROW money – because I cannot afford to pay for my RENT…
        • Even if I pay it every month afterwards – that does not mean I am NOT in debt!
        • The problem with RELIGION – trying to live a GOOD life…
        • Is that being GOOD does nothing to PAY for the BAD things we have done…
        • The ONLY answer to the HEAVY debt of sin that we carry – is to come to Jesus…
        • He can PAY our DEBT – lift our BURDEN – and allow us to have REST…
        • We no longer have to TRY and be GOOD – by GRACE we are FORGIVEN!
        • Hebrews 4:10 – “All who have entered into Gods rest have rested from their labor.”
      • The Promise… vs. 29-30
        • Once we come to Jesus – and He gives FORGIVES us of our SIN…
        • We then need to TAKE [imperative] His YOKE on us….
        • YOKE – is meant to connect TWO animals so they can work TOGETHER…
        • But it is important they are EQUAL [do not yoke a Caribou to a Goat]
        • Yet we are NOT equal to Jesus – which is the POINT…
        • His YOKE is easy [χρηστός] – because He does all the WORK for us…
        • Making our BURDEN [φόρτος] LIGHT – because He gives us the POWER to live a GODLY life!
        • Imagine a little GOAT – struggling in vain to pull a fulling loaded cart…
        • The only hope that GOAT has – is to YOKE up with a MUCH stronger CARIBOU!
        • Coming to Jesus is NOT just about being FORGIVEN of our SINS…
        • It is also about having the POWER to live a GODLY life…
        • If we find ourselves constantly FAILING in our Christian walk – falling into SIN…
        • The solution is to YOKE up to Jesus – let Him do the WORK for us…
        • ONLY in Him do we have the POWER to live a HOLY life for God!
        • Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
      • The Purpose… vs. 29-30
        • Learn from Me for I am gentle and lowly in heart… [and] you will find rest for your souls.
        • Finally we must [imperative] LEARN [μανθάνω] – become a DISCIPLE – of Jesus…
        • Which is NOT hard – because He is MEEK and HUMBLE [ταπεινός] hearted…
        • And ONLY then will we FIND our REST – because we will KNOW [ἐπιγινώσκω] Him!
        • Because the KEY to unlock salvation is not RELIGION – it is NOT following RULES…
        • The KEY is RELATIONSHIP – getting to KNOW the God who DIED to save us…
        • Only then will we truly find REST – because true LIFE comes from Jesus!
        • John 17:3 – “This is eternal life – that they may know You – the only true God – and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.”