What Jesus Did! 'Better Off?' — Matthew 11:22-24

Sunday, May 25, 2025

[Continuing his denouncement of cities that hadn't repented, Jesus said:] "I tell you, Tyre and Sidon will be better off on judgment day than you.

"And you people of Capernaum, will you be honored in heaven? No, you will go down to the place of the dead. For if the miracles I did for you had been done in wicked Sodom, it would still be here today. I tell you, even Sodom will be better off on judgment day than you."

— Matthew 11:22-24 NLT

Key Thought

In today's society, we don't like to talk about judgment, especially religious judgment. Most churches tone it down. Many who profess faith in Christ are ashamed of the passages that talk about judgment. Most people today are not even aware that the same Good News that talks about not being judgmental of others also is the Good News that most strongly emphasizes that Jesus will judge based upon our response and obedience to him. Matthew's gospel clearly demonstrates again and again that our decisions about Jesus, his identity and his lordship, and our obedience to his word all have eternal consequences. To reject Immanuel, God with us, brings judgment. To reject God's clearest example of his grace is to bring judgment. Jesus leaves us no neutral ground. We either decide for him or face judgment without him.

Today's Prayer

Holy God, please help me to be firm in my commitments to you and faithful in my service to your children so that I will not fall under your judgment. Give me a greater sense of urgency and a greater effectiveness in communicating your love, grace, and salvation in Jesus. Be with me and speak through me as I try to share the story of Jesus with my friends and family. In Jesus' saving and precious name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

1 Related Resource by Heartlight

We Need Rest
Article by Tom Norvell
Don't you sense this need? Tom Norvell reminds us of our need for rest and to rest in Jesus, in God, and in the Spirit.

Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 11:22-24 NLT — "I tell you, Tyre and Sidon will be better off on judgment day than you. "

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Sunday, May 25, 2025

Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'God Rules: Praise, Serve, and Honor Him'
"Then a voice came from the throne, saying: "Praise our God, all you who serve him and all you who honor him, both small and great!" Then I heard what...."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Ephesians 6:12
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the..."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'I Know What You Are Thinking' (Ek. 11:5)
"Then the Spirit of the Lord came on me [Ezekiel], and he told me to say: "This is what the Lord says: That is what you are saying, you leaders in Israel, but I...."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Arrogant Authority' (Acts 23:1-3)
"Gazing intently at the high council, Paul began: "Brothers, I have always lived before God with a clear conscience!" Instantly Ananias the high....."

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!