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03_14_2018_Matt11_20-30_DonRuhl
Those Who Reject and Those Who Accept
Matthew 11.20–30
Don Ruhl • Savage Street, Grants Pass, Oregon • March 14, In the year of our Lord, 2018
- Matthew 11.20–24 | Miracles Did Not Persuade Everyone
20 Then He began to rebuke the cities in which most of His mighty works had been done, because they did not repent: 21 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! 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. 22 But I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment than for you. 23 And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades; for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. 24 But I say to you that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment than for you.”
- Why would someone not believe a miracle that was done right before them?
- Where were Chorazin and Bethsaida?
- They were on the north end of the Sea of Galilee.
- Jesus indicated that these two places were more wicked than Tyre and Sidon.
- The king of Tyre had supplied material for David to build his house.
- Tyre had also supplied Solomon with a worker who did the bronze for the temple.
- What was the problem of Chorazin and Bethsaida?
- Later, Tyre and Sidon turned against Jerusalem.
- They also lifted themselves up against the Lord.
- Ezekiel 27 and 28
- Why would it be more tolerable in the Day of Judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for Chorazin and Bethsaida?
- Where was Capernaum?
- It was also on the north end of the Sea of Galilee.
- According to Matthew 4.13, Jesus lived there a short time.
- What position had Capernaum held?
- What would happen to Capernaum?
- Why would Capernaum be brought down to Hades?
- Can you imagine Sodom lasting until the days of Jesus?
- What would have changed the city around?
- Can you imagine Sodom having a better time at the Judgment than Capernaum?
- Matthew 11.25–30 | Jesus Thanked the Father
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 and have revealed them to babes. 26 Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight. 27 All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him. 28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
- What moved Jesus to speak this prayer?
- He had thought on the hardness of heart of the cities where He taught and did miracles.
- Yet, not everyone disbelieved and for those who believed, He was thankful.
- What did Jesus mean by “the wise and prudent”?
- Who are the “babes”?
- What seemed good in the Father’s sight?
- Verse 27 sounds like something John would have quoted.
- How would you summarize verse 27?
- The Father and the Son have an exclusive relationship.
- Can anyone else be a part of them?
- Whom did Jesus invite to go to Him?
- What would He give them?
- What does verse 29 say about how we gain rest in Jesus?
- Is there any work in Jesus and do we have to bear difficulties?
- What moved Jesus to speak this prayer?
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