Woes on the Unrepentant

Setting and Overview
In the beginning of chapter 11 we did see some of the opposition and doubt that will characterize much of this chapter and the next, but in responding to it, Jesus’ tone was far from sharp. As we progress further in the chapter, that tone will gets far sharper, which is somewhat surprising if we think about the invitation of the end. The sharp warnings and condemnations of verses 15-24 should grab our attention and focus us in preparation for that invitation.

Exposition
Although being childlike is shown to be a positive in the Gospels (Matthew 18:3-4), being childish is certainly not (I Corinthians 13:11, 14:20, Hebrew 5:12-6:1.) Further, it was a fairly harsh criticism to a group people that generally did not regard children as worthy of their time. Jesus apparently observes and pays attention to children in a way that others do not, and so he uses and example of the way that they play to make his point. The marketplace was a common area for children to play, and he describes either two specific and common games at the time, or perhaps just two ways that they might make-believe. In the first game, the children are pretending to hold a wedding and getting upset when people don’t pretend to be happy. In the second, they are pretending to hold a funeral and get upset when people don’t pretend to mourn. In both cases, their reactions are driven by selfishness, upset that they don’t get their way, an attitude which would fit well with the warning of verses 14-15. In case that warning is too vague, however, he makes it even more directly by comparing the response to himself and John the Baptist. They criticized John because he didn’t eat or drink and Jesus because they thought that he didn’t fast or deprive himself enough. Jesus’ point is that they are just looking for a reason to reject them both because neither will play along with their games or conform to their views.
The prevalence of that attitude in the cities where Jesus had ministered most frequently sets the stage for the even strong denunciation of verses 20-24. Chorazin is only mentioned here and in the parallel in Luke, but is most likely the same as a city that has been identified as a couple miles from Capernaum. Bethsaida was the home of Andrew, Peter, and Philip (John 1:44.) Tyre and Sidon were large Phoenician cities often denounced for their worship of Baal. To put on sackcloth was very uncomfortable and was a sign of mourning (II Samuel 3:31.) Ashes were associated with overpowering emotion, usually shame and repentance. They could be sat on, laid on, put on one’s head, or even rolled around in (Jeremiah 2:26.) Capernaum was a base during Jesus’ ministry and apparently thought of itself similarly to how Babylon had as a beacon and example to others (Isaiah 14:13-15.) Several secondary points are seen in the text: revelation owed by God and it is a blessing to receive it. God knows not only all that we do, but also all that we would do. Further, there are degrees of punishment in judgement. Those point to the key focus of these verses, which is that they more revelation that we receive the more punishment we are subject to if we ignore it. This means that instead of additional revelation leading to arrogance, it should lead to an increase recognition of the responsibility that we bear, and increased focus on understanding and responding to what we are shown.

Examination and Application
It isn’t too hard to see parallels to the “Christian” nations today, where there are churches on every corner, more physical Bibles than we can count, and electronic Bibles available at the touch of a button on almost any device. We can go to church every week and listen to countless sermons and Bible studies almost nonstop. We face little resistance in proclaiming our faith and are even praised by many. Yet we our biblical literacy is low, and the parts that we do know we have little interest in living out. Despite that, we tend to look down on other countries or regions which we don’t think honor Christ like we do. What do we think Jesus’ evaluation would be of us?