“Then Jesus began to criticize openly the cities in which he had done many of his miracles, because they did not repent….. And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? No, you will be thrown down to Hades! For if the miracles done among you had been done in Sodom, it would have continued to this day. But I tell you, it will be more bearable for the region of Sodom on the day of judgment than for you!” At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent, and revealed them to little children.” Matthew 11:20, 23-25 NET https://bible.com/bible/107/mat.11.20-25.NET
Why did the Lord Jesus, the Judge of all humanity for determining humanity’s eternal destiny, whether heaven or hell, condemn the cities that did not respond to His ministry? The word of God had come to them, God Himself had come to them, and they continued to ignore God and failed to respond in obedience to God’s demand to repent and follow Jesus. What is the result of this rebellion against God? Eternal condemnation in torment and suffering away from God and all those who have loved God. Who are those who will live with God forever in peace, love, joy, health, and beauty? The humble, the meek, the weak, the poor of Spirit but not the wise, learned, and proud. Those too smart, who have figured everything out will miss God but those who believe the Word of God and the person of God in Jesus will live forever with God. Wisdom and knowledge are believing the Word of God and obeying it. The university, media, and the government are the liars that deny God and discourage obedience to His commands. The world is full of the gospel message available through many churches, books, and media. To deny Christ in this age is to suffer the fate of Capernaum but to humble ourselves before Christ and embrace His life is to live forever with Him. Truth exists, we must believe as much and we must believe then orient our lives around Jesus Who is the way, the truth and the life. No one enters heaven apart from the God Who came to save us.
