Matthew 11:20-30

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Judgment is Pronounced on the Unbelieving Towns of Galilee

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. Judgment was pronounced upon the unbelieving cities of Galilee.

  2. Rest is promised to those who are weary and worrisome.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Praise the Lord in the midst of rejection and sorrow.

QUESTIONS

  1. What is the theme and structure of the Gospel of Matthew thus far?

  2. Why did the religious leaders of Israel reject the King?

  3. Where were Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum located?

  4. Are these cities standing today?

  5. Why was judgment pronounced on these Galilean cities?

  6. What two rests does the Lord promise in this passage?

ANSWERS

  1. Matthew is the gospel of the King and His Kingdom. Chapters 1-9 give the credentials of the King. In chapters 10-12 the King and His Kingdom are rejected.

  2. They hated Him for denouncing their sin and hypocrisy. They stirred up the people to reject Him, because they wanted a political kingdom of their own making.

  3. These were cities in the province of Galilee. Bethsaida and Capernaum were on the shores of the Sea of Galilee.

  4. No, the ruins of these cities can be toured today. Another Galilean city from that time still stands, however. The ruins of these three cities are evidence of the judgment the Lord pronounced on them.

  5. Because they rejected the King and His Kingdom, despite the miracles performed there as overwhelming evidence of Jesus’ messiahship.

  6. He promises the rest of salvation and the rest of soul.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. Today’s passage indicates there will be degrees of punishment in Hell (Matthew 11:22). The greater the light and privilege rejected, the greater the penalty. Discuss the implications for our land, where Bibles and the good news of Jesus Christ are readily available.

  2. Are you continually anxious and worried about your circumstances? Are you jealous of others, with your soul in turmoil and unrest? The Lord can give you rest of soul if you submit to the yoke of Christ. Are you willing to submit to God’s sovereign ways in your life or do you chafe at this yoke and question God’s ways? Discuss why some people would rather carry their own burdens than submit to the yoke of Christ. Remember, His yoke is easy and His burden is light.

CHALLENGE

  1. Even when Jesus was being rejected as Messiah He could praise His Father. He knew all things were under God’s sovereign control. Read Romans 8:28. Praise God that although all things might not be good at the moment, He will work all things for your good, if you love Him.

KEY VERSES

  • “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 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. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30



Matthew, Talks, New TestamentDeb HarmsMatthew 11:20-30