Luke (TNTC) by Leon Morris

Author:Leon Morris [Morris, Leon]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780830842339
Amazon: 0830842330
Barnesnoble: 0830842330
Publisher: IVP Academic
Published: 2008-02-29T16:00:00+00:00

2. The doom of the Galilean cities (10:13-16)

Mention of those who might reject Jesus leads naturally to the mention of those who had already done so. These words may or may not have been spoken on the same occasion (Matthew has them in a different context, 11:20-24). But they suit the theme of judgment.

13-1.4. Woe is not a call for vengeance, but an expression of deep regret, 'Alas' (cf. 6:24-26). The mention of the towns Chorazin (in the New Testament only here and in the Matthean parallel) and Bethsaida brings home the fact that we know little of Jesus' life. Nothing at all is known of his ministry in the former town and very little of that in the latter. But these words show that he had worked extensively in both places and done miracles there. Indeed the mighty works he did had been of such a character that they would have produced repentance in Tyre and Sidon. Those cities, situated on the coast to the north of Galilee, had formed the heart of the Phoenician empire. They were great commercial centres, but had sinned grievously and had been the object of God's appeal through the prophets and of his judgment when they would not respond (cf. Is. 23; Ezk. 26 - 28). Yet these cities would be better off in the judgment than Chorazin and Bethsaida. So serious is it to reject the Son of God.

15. Capernaum was the city where much of Jesus' ministry had been exercised. So much was he there that it could be called his own city (Mt. 9:1). It had seen miracles and heard teaching. But it had remained largely unmoved. Evidently the citizens of Capernaum thought well of themselves, but the question will you be exalted to heaven? looks for the answer 'No'! On the contrary, to Hades (this is given emphasis) they will be brought down (cf. Is. 14:13, 15). Clearly heaven and Hades are here used for the height of glory and the depth of degradation. 'Jesus predicts the future humbling or death of the city .... Today the deserted site of Capernaum bears its eloquent, silent testimony to his prophecy' (Ellis).

16. On a number of occasions Jesus spoke words like this little saying (Mt. 10:40; Jn. 13:20). Luke evidently puts it here because of its general appropriateness and not to indicate that it was necessarily spoken at this time. It emphasizes the importance of the messengers Jesus sent out. When he authorizes anyone to speak, that person speaks with authority. Anyone who hears him hears Jesus and anyone who rejects him rejects the Lord. This puts a great responsibility on all who hear the message. But there is more. Anyone who rejects Jesus rejects also, and in that act, him who sent him. Jesus' messengers then go forth with the fullest accreditation. Their message is to be taken with full seriousness.

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