Much is Expected

“Jesus began to reproach the towns where most of his mighty deeds had been done, since they had not repented” (Matthew 11:20).

The people of Chorazin and Bethsaida had Jesus in their presence, they witnessed his miracles, yet they rejected him. Jesus’ teachings were hard; they turned the world, as they knew it, upside down. They were called to love their enemies, forgive those who betrayed you, and instructed not to judge. His works were the works of his Father; those of the compassionate and just God of Israel. Jesus’ actions of authentic, unconditional love; his association with sinners and outcasts, evoked opposition. His ministry tore holes in their concept of religion and challenged their own convictions of who truly were the people of God.

I have heard people question why God doesn’t do some mighty deed so that more will believe in him. He has done that. He parted the Red Sea, sent the Israelites manna from heaven, provided water from a rock and so many other miracles but those things were quickly forgotten and they were back to their sinful ways. God sent his Son and he was also rejected. It wouldn’t be any different in this day and age.

Jesus tells us that those who have been given much, much is expected of them (Luke 12:48). The people of Chorazin and Bethsaida were given much but refused to repent and follow Jesus, which is why their judgment will be so harsh. I know I get more frustrated when someone does something even though “they knew better” than I would with someone who doesn’t know any better. Jesus is the same way. We have been given the gift of faith and much is expected of us. We are called to die unto ourselves daily and follow Christ. We are to be his hands and feet, spreading the gospel to all those that he places in or care.