God warns everyone of His holy judgement out of His compassion. For example, God used Noah to warn the people about the coming flood for over 100 years so that they might turn from their sins and be saved. Jerusalem was also warned about the upcoming desolation (Luke 21:21-22). Those who didn’t pay heed suffered the most horrible siege where people resorted to eating trash and attacking each other to avoid starvation. In Luke 10 Jesus is warning about the upcoming judgement for sinners. In light of the prior examples, we should take this warning with extreme seriousness.
One thing to notice, God will judge differently those who have heard versus those who haven’t heard. This shows that God’s judgement is not general but specific, exact and fair. The disciples were sent into the cities to heal the sick and preach the kingdom of God. To those who did not receive them, the disciples were to wipe the dust off (Luke 10:11). The wiping of the dust is the damning verdict where Jesus wants nothing to do with them. Not only does Jesus cut them off, but they will be punished more severely than the city of Sodom. Sodom was one of the most immoral cities in the history of mankind, yet it will be worse for those who have heard and rejected it. This should terrify everyone.
In today’s world, there are many countries that have free access to the gospel such as the United States where we live, Europe, Latin America and even Asia. But there are some countries that have never heard of Jesus, countries in remote parts of Africa and Asia. Not only has the gospel spread almost everywhere, but we also have smartphones which means the gospel and numerous Biblical resources are easily available. No era has had such astounding access to the Bible and the truth of the gospel. Yet this world doesn’t want to hear it, which means today’s generation is in much more danger because of the privilege it has (Luke 12:48). Woe to us because we are worse than Chorazin and Bethsaida.
The word “woe” is a scary word which means great calamity (Isaiah 6:5). Jesus declares woe as a divine judgement on those cities. Jesus had raised the dead, healed lepers and performed countless miracles day after day (John 21:25). Yet their reaction to such amazing demonstrations of God’s grace was poor. The same could be said of us who live in the United States. We don’t face persecution and live comfortably, not because we deserve it but because of God’s grace. Yet we react poorly with no repentance or obedience. The godless and pagan cities of Tyre and Sidon would have repented like Nineveh (Jonah 3:5). Where is our repentance?
Repentance is the proper response to the gospel (Mark 1:15). Everything flows from the gospel through repentance. By repentance, we gain entry to the kingdom of God. Without repentance, we are still slaves to sin and Satan. Repentance is realizing you are a guilty sinner before the holy God. You have a new desire to renounce sin, leave the world, take up the cross and follow Christ despite what it may cost. It is turning from your old sinful self and turning to God. What we must acknowledge is that repentance is a gift of God through the enlightening work of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit helps us realize our sins and empowers us to seek after Jesus. Repentance is more than an external change but an internal dying of self and renewing in Jesus Christ (Galatians 2:20).
It doesn’t matter how bad your sin is or how many sins you have done, Jesus can forgive them if you repent. Jesus bore your sin fully on the cross and by repentance the power of the cross can be applied to you. There is nothing more powerful than the cross of Jesus Christ. No religion or tradition can save you from your sin. It is your dangerous pride that prevents you from truly repenting. Pride thinks we can be happy without God. Pride blinds you by claiming that you are a good person and you don’t need God. That is why humility is absolutely necessary for true repentance.
Capernaum was a popular city that was a cultural, financial and religious center of that region. Their residents were proud of the greatness of their city. Again, this sounds similar to Americans today who think the United States is great and faithful. America’s greatness must be attributed to God because it all comes from Him. But now America has focused on the gifts instead of the God who gave them. The consequence is a Christ-less and powerless gospel that is flooding our churches. Without the warning of the evangelists, society has also declined into a ridiculous garbage intellectualism (Colossians 2:8). The modern western world is full of cultural Christians who have never heeded the warning. Therefore, like the city of Capernaum, our society “will be brought down to Hades”. This is the severe outcome of the cultural Christians who walk through the wide gate (Luke 13:23-24). Jesus condemns the pretenders and rejectors to hell. There is no relief in hell but eternal pain and agony. It is the most horrific and terrifying judgement. By God’s grace, you are warned.
So listen to the gospel message and its preacher because it’s Jesus’ compassion to send someone to warn you and rescue you. Those of us who are Christians were saved by someone sharing the gospel with us. Before it’s too late, listen to the gospel of Jesus Christ, repent and believe. Do not wait for a sign or miracle, but hear the message. God calls you to repentance. Otherwise be warned, if you reject the gospel message, then it’s over for you. Cast aside your pride, repent and receive the mercy and love of God through Jesus Christ which is the greatest joy.
BIBLE COMMUNITY CHURCH 
Leave a comment