What Jesus Did! 'Repentance or Consequences' — Matthew 11:20-21

Saturday, May 24, 2025

Then Jesus began to denounce the towns where he had done so many of his miracles, because they hadn't repented of their sins and turned to God. "What sorrow awaits you, Korazin and Bethsaida! For if the miracles I did in you had been done in wicked Tyre and Sidon, their people would have repented of their sins long ago, clothing themselves in burlap and throwing ashes on their heads to show their remorse."
— Matthew 11:20-21 NLT

Key Thought

Why is it so hard to change? Why is a certain mindset so hard to give up? As humans, we can be terribly obstinate and hardheaded. Jesus wants to confront us with a choice: See his deeds and repent, or reap the consequences of rejecting him. He allows no middle ground. As Jesus' ministry inevitably rushes toward more conflict and the cross, he wants us to know that the choices we make and the lives we live in response to his message have enormous consequence. When confronted with Jesus' deeds, even the most evil and stubborn cities would repent. So how can we not be willing to change our hearts and lives to follow him?

Today's Prayer

Righteous and holy God, give me an undivided and courageous heart so that I will confront the wrong things in my own life, change my heart and life, and live wholly for you. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 11:20-21 NLT — "What sorrow awaits you, Korazin and Bethsaida!"

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Saturday, May 24, 2025

Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Jesus Fulfills God's Plan' (Acts 13:32-37)
"[Continuing in the synagogue, Paul said,] "And now we are here to bring you this Good News. The promise was made to our ancestors, and God has now..."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Joy, Prayer, the Spirit's Fire' (1 Th. 5:16-23)
"Dear Father, holy God, Help me always to be joyful and to pray continually, giving thanks to you in all circumstances, since this is your will for me..."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: 2 Peter 1:4
"If you would know experimentally the preciousness of the promises, and enjoy them in your own heart, meditate much upon them. There are promises which..."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Hebrews 12:1
"Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with....."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!