Day 19 – the curse on Capernaum

Today’s reading: Matthew 11:16-30

Jesus was born in Bethlehem, raised in Nazareth but made Capernaum his home town during his public ministry. Many of the most important teaching and events happen in or around Capernaum. The healing of the Centurion’s servant, which symbolized the gospel going to the Gentiles, takes place there. The healing of the paralytic, when Jesus announces He has the power to forgive sins, takes place there. Jesus will go there after the wedding feast of Cana. He will give the bread of life discourse there. In today’s reading he all but curses the city.

And as for you Capernaum: “Will you be exalted in Heaven? You will go down to the netherworld.” For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom on the Day of Judgment than for you.

The key to remember here is that a city is made up of its people. So what have the people of Capernaum done that has put them in such hot water? Simple, they have rejected the things Jesus taught in Capernaum. This will be seen most dramatically when we get to John 6. This has a twofold meaning for us today. First, those who will be condemned are those who reject the teachings of Jesus. Second, one cannot be a follower of Jesus without specifically understanding and accepting the things He taught in Capernaum

Finally, the last paragraph of the chapter, from verse 28 on, should really be part of the next chapter, Chapter 12. Remember, the chapter breaks and headings aren’t technically part of the Bible. This chapter break is poorly placed. Read the last paragraph of chapter 11 with tomorrow’s reading.

Tomorrow: Matthew 12:1-21