Jesus' Warning About Community Sins

Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost

Third Edition

Gospel Matthew 11:20–24 Times of Search

Jesus began to denounce the cities in which he had done most of his mighty works because they had not repented:

“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! If the mighty works that were done in your streets had been done in Tyre or Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you.

And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You will be thrown down to hell! If the mighty works that were done in your streets had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. I tell you, it will be more bearable for the land of Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.” (Matt. 11:20–24 Third Edition)

Jesus’ Rebuke and Its Meaning

During Jesus’ life, he performed incredible miracles and taught the gospel of the kingdom in many different places. However, after his miracles and teachings came a stern warning to the cities that ignored his message. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus critically assessed Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum in particular. These warnings are still relevant today and raise questions about our actions in our communities. Why did Jesus rebuke these cities in particular? He says:

“If the mighty works that have been done in your streets had been done in Tyre or Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.”

There is a profound lesson behind this sentence: the responsibility for God’s revelation is great. The cities had been given a unique opportunity to see and experience Jesus’ miracles, but their indifference made their situation even worse. For example, Capernaum was particularly harshly condemned. When Jesus was in Capernaum, his miracles were present every day, yet many of the inhabitants did not turn to him.

A good example is that Jesus healed a blind man and a lame man in Capernaum, yet many refused to believe (Mark 10:46-52). In Capernaum, where Jesus was, they had a close connection to the kingdom of God, but their choice left many without help.

The Effects of Community Sin

In our culture that emphasizes individualism, it can be easy to see sin as only our own personal actions. However, Jesus reminds us that sin has a wide scope. The sins of cities and nations affect the well-being of communities and their relationship with God. For example, the Old Testament of the Bible describes many nations, such as Israel, who fell into idolatry. This led to weakness and destruction, such as the destruction of Babylon, when over 20,000 people were taken into exile. Communal sins such as greed, despair, lust for power, and lack of love can limit the ability of communities to face life as God intended. When we begin to discuss what we can do for each other, we move toward true repentance.

The Call to Repent

Jesus’ rebukes are a challenge for all of us today. Are there things in our communities that we should examine? We need to face the truth about how we collectively evaluate our values and attitudes. Repentance is not just an individual process, but a community journey toward God’s will.

The Old Testament warns us of what happens when people turn away from God. The prophets speak of judgment and expulsion, but they also call for repentance. Jesus called the people of Capernaum to repent, and we are given no easier path today than a call to repentance.

Cities and Responsibility

Jesus’ words about Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum are powerful reminders of what can happen when people do not respond to the call. Responsibility is not just individual; it is also collective. We must ask: what can we do as communities to advance the gospel?

For example, in recent decades, the impact of social media has enabled the mobilization of communities. In 2020, several campaigns were launched that brought people together from all over the world, such as to combat climate change. This shows that together we can make a difference and be a light to those around us.

Current issues

Our time demands that we be able to look at what is happening around us. We live in a society where many things demand attention. We are so busy with our own affairs that we can forget the people around us. Jesus warned that indifference can cost us dearly. When we think of Capernaum and other cities, we ask ourselves: "How can we improve our own attitude and our community?" There are people all around us who may be suffering and need help, and this is a call to raise our voice for them.

Community and the Kingdom of God

The sins of communities are not just abstract concepts, but they directly affect people's lives. As we discuss sin and its consequences, we should remember that the judgment of sin is not a continuum of mere threat, but also an opportunity for repentance and renewal. The kingdom of God has always been a community affair. Jesus taught that we are all part of his body, and each of us has a role to play in building this community. We must ensure that everyone has the opportunity to encounter God’s love and grace.

A Time to Turn

As Jesus speaks to us through these cities, we must heed his warnings. They are important reminders of how we can turn to God together and build our community for the better. It is time to recognize that our actions can have a far-reaching impact—not just on us as individuals, but also on the world around us. It is impossible to remain indifferent, for God is calling us to repent as individuals and as a community. When we hear and follow this call, we can create something truly beautiful and meaningful.