§ 58. WOES UPON THE CITIES OF OPPORTUNITY. THE CLAIMS OF CHRIST AS THE TEACHER ABOUT THE FATHER.
Galilee
Matt. 11:20-30
20 Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his 1mighty works were done, because they repented not. 21 Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the 1mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon which were done in you, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22 Howbeit I say unto you, it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgement, than for you [see Isa. 14:13-15]. 23 And thou, Capernaum, shalt thou be exalted unto heaven? thou shalt 2go down unto Hades: for if the 1mighty works had been done in Sodom which were done in thee, it would have remained until this day. 24 Howbeit I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgement, than for thee [see Gen. 19:24].
25 At that season Jesus answered and said, I 3thank thee, O Father [see [John 3:35]; [17:2]], Lord of heaven and earth, that thou didst hide these things from the wise and understanding, and didst reveal them unto babes: 26 yea, Father, 4for so it was well-pleasing in thy sight. 27 All things have been delivered unto me of my Father: and no one knoweth the Son, save the Father; neither doth any know the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son willeth to reveal him. 28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yokea upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light [see Jer. 6:16; Sirach 51:23].
1 Gr. powers.
2 Many ancient authorities read be brought down.
3 Or, praise.
4 Or, that.
a Rabbinical figure for going to school. Jesus thus definitely pictures himself as the expert on God in a Johannean passage (cf. [Luke 10:21-24]). He conceives himself as the Teacher who alone is able to interpret the Father.