INTRODUCTION

Jesus has done works of power in the cities of Galilee, but they refuse to repent (11:20-24). They are too wise to receive God’s revelation through Jesus, too proud to take on His yoke.

THE TEXT
“ Then He began to rebuke the cities in which most of His mighty works had been done, because they did not repent: ‘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. But I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment than for you . . . .’” (Matthew 11:20-30).

CITIES OF GALILEE

Jesus pronounces “woes” over three cities of Galilee – Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum. Woes express both doom and lamentation. Jesus mourns over their response and sternly warns of their fate. He compares the cities of Galilee to three notorious cities of the Old Testament, each of which was severely judged for its wickedness: Tyre and Sidon (cf. Isaiah 23; Ezekiel 28), which were once allied with Israel and then turned from Yahweh; and Sodom (cf. Genesis 19). The great sin of Galilee was rejecting or being indifferent to Jesus; because they have been blind to the greatest light, they are more culpable. Capernaum’s pride in particular is implicitly compared to Babylon’s (cf. Isaiah 14); because that city exalts itself to heaven, it will be cast down to Sheol.

REVEALED TO BABES

Reflecting on His reception in Galilee, Jesus turns to the Father in one of the most profound prayers in the New Testament. He addresses God as “Father,” praising Him as “Lord of heaven and earth,” a reference to creation. As Lord, the Father hides and reveals (v. 25). In context, “these things” refers to Jesus’ words and actions, and their significance. The Father hides the meaning and reality of the kingdom from those who think themselves wise, perhaps especially here the scribes and Pharisees who are learned in the Torah. Anyone can know these things, however, so long as they are willing to humble themselves as babes. The Father’s hiding and revealing expresses His good pleasure (v. 26).

THE TRADITION OF THE SON

The Son is the Father’s channel of revelation. Jesus claims that He has received “all things” from His Father (cf. Matthew 28:18-20), and that the Father and Son have an exclusive relationship of knowledge and love. Jesus, like the scribes, has received something “handed over,” a “tradition.” But His tradition comes directly from the Father. Though the Father and Son have an exclusive relationship with one another, yet through the Son the mutual knowledge of Father and Son is opened up, to babes (v. 27). No one knows or comes to the Father except through Jesus, who reveals the Father to whomever He will.

JESUS’ YOKE

Jesus is already alluding to Exodus 33:12-14 in verse 27, and the reference to the “yoke” and “rest” extends the comparison with Moses. Jesus is a new Moses who offers Sabbath rest, deliverance from the burdens of Pharisaical “Egypt.” Yet, Jesus’ claims surpass Moses. Jews spoke of the “yoke of the Torah,” but never of the “yoke of Moses.” No teacher claimed that the yoke was His own yoke, but Jesus does. Jesus doesn’t say He has no yoke. His disciples are obligated to obey Him and work for Him. Because Jesus is “meek” (like Moses, Numbers 12:3), though, His yoke is easy and His burden light.