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Proper 9A ( vss 25-27)

Issues

1. Rebuke for being unrepentant
   1. It is observable he had never upbraided them before. Indeed at first they received him with all gladness, Capernaum in particular. John Wesley Notes
   2. That is, miserable art thou. For these are not curses or imprecations, as has been commonly supposed; but a solemn, compassionate declaration of the misery they were bringing on themselves. Chorazin and Bethsaida were cities of Galilee, standing by the lake Gennesareth. Tyre and Sidon were cities of Phenicia, lying on the sea shore. The inhabitants of them were heathens. Lu 10:13.  John Wesley Notes
   3.  It would be better to translate the word, alas for thee, than woe to thee. The former is an exclamation of pity; the latter a denunciation of wrath. It is evident that our Lord used it in the former sense. Adam Clark Commentary
2. Cities in which most of His work had been done, against whom the accusations are made:
   1. Chorazin
      1.  It is not known precisely where Chorazin was situated; but as Christ joins it in the same censure with Bethsaida, which was in Upper Galilee, beyond the sea, Mr 6:45, it is likely that Chorazin was in the same quarter.  Adam Clark Commentary
   2. Bethsaida
      1.  Bethsaida itself furnished not less than three of the twelve apostles, Philip, Andrew, and Peter. See Joh 1:44.   Adam Clark Commentary
   3. Capernaum
      1. exalted unto heaven] A Hebrew metaphor, expressive of the utmost prosperity, and the enjoyment of the greatest privileges. This was properly spoken of this city, because that in it our Lord dwelt, and wrought many of his miraculous works.   Adam Clark Commentary
3. Comparison to other cities for whom the Day of Judgment will be more tolerable:
   1. Tyre
      1.  Tyre and Sidon were two heathen cities, situated on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea, into which it does not appear that Christ ever went, though he was often very nigh to them; see Mt 15:21.   Adam Clark Commentary
   2. Sidon
   3. Sodom
4. Mighty works done in some cities who were unrepentant, but not in others who would have repented.
   1.  Sodom was destroyed on account of its great wickedness. Christ says, if his miracles had been done there, they would have repented, and consequently the city would not have been destroyed. As it was, it would be better for Sodom in the day of judgment than for Capernaum, for its inhabitants would not be called to answer for the abuse of so great privileges. Albert Barnes Commentary
5. More toleration in the Day of Judgment
   1. These solemn words teach: (1) That there will be a day of judgment for all, cities, nations and men. (2) That men will be judged according to their opportunities; that those who have had and neglected opportunities will be held most guilty. (3) That there will be different degrees of future punishment, according to guilt and opportunities; that those whose opportunities have been greatest will receive the greater punishment, if these are neglected. Every man will be judged and punished according to his opportunities and works. The idea of a hell of the same severity for all the unsaved is nowhere taught by Christ.  People's New Testament Commentary
6. Jesus "answered"
   1. This word does not always imply, that something had been spoken, to which an answer is now made. It often means no more than the speaking in reference to some action or circumstance preceding. The following words Christ speaks in reference to the case of the cities above mentioned:  John Wesley Notes
7. Prayer of Jesus
   1. Thanks to the "Father, Lord of Heaven and earth"
   2. "because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent"
   3. "and hast revealed them unto babes"
   4. "so it seemed good in thy sight"
8. Teaching of Jesus
   1. "All things are delivered unto me of my Father"
   2. "no man knoweth the Son, but the Father"
   3. "neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son"
   4. "and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him"