When Grace Is Rejected
20 Then he began to denounce the cities where most of his mighty works had been done, because they did not repent. 21 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22 But I tell you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you. 23 And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You will be brought down to Hades. For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. 24 But I tell you that it will be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom than for you.”
Matthew 11:20–24
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When Grace Is Rejected
The greatest danger is not failing to recognize our sin, but hearing God’s Word repeatedly and remaining unmoved. Jesus rebukes the cities where He performed mighty works because they witnessed His gracious visitation yet refused to repent. Greater revelation brings greater responsibility. We, too, are tempted to presume upon God’s patience. We hear His Word, receive His gifts, yet stubbornly cling to our sins. Familiarity with the Gospel can dull our ears to the very grace that gives us life. But Christ’s call to repentance is not meant to drive the contrite sinner to despair. At the cross, Jesus bore the judgment our sins deserve. The One who condemns unbelief also offers forgiveness to all who repent and trust in Him. In Holy Baptism, He has claimed us as His own, and through His Word He continually calls us back to His mercy. Do not despise His grace. Hear His Word, repent, and cling to Christ.
Matthew 11:20–24
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When Grace Is Rejected
The greatest danger is not failing to recognize our sin, but hearing God’s Word repeatedly and remaining unmoved. Jesus rebukes the cities where He performed mighty works because they witnessed His gracious visitation yet refused to repent. Greater revelation brings greater responsibility. We, too, are tempted to presume upon God’s patience. We hear His Word, receive His gifts, yet stubbornly cling to our sins. Familiarity with the Gospel can dull our ears to the very grace that gives us life. But Christ’s call to repentance is not meant to drive the contrite sinner to despair. At the cross, Jesus bore the judgment our sins deserve. The One who condemns unbelief also offers forgiveness to all who repent and trust in Him. In Holy Baptism, He has claimed us as His own, and through His Word He continually calls us back to His mercy. Do not despise His grace. Hear His Word, repent, and cling to Christ.
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2026
January
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February
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March
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