Contemplative Bible Reading

Matthew 11:20 (New Living Translation)

20 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.

Folks don’t like this verse. I don’t “like” this verse and the ensuing discourse from Jesus. Jesus denounced people for not repenting and turning to God. These people had seen miracles performed by Jesus. There was no doubt. This was not trickery or hearsay or any type of trick photography or deepfake or the like.

There was no doubt and no repentance. “Good riddance to these people,” was pretty much what Jesus said.

But what about… Nope. But what about… Nope to that as well. Jesus denounced them. Jesus publicly declared their wrong actions.

Were these people dammed? No. They still could repent. Were these people hopeless? No. They still had a chance to believe and hope in Jesus. So why did Jesus… Why not? Jesus spoke the truth. Jesus truthfully described what happened. But wasn’t that sort of mean of Jesus to… “Mean” is a subjective term. The Bible says much about discipline and teaching. Jesus was disciplining and teaching.

Sometimes I don’t like what I read about Jesus. Sometimes I am just flat out wrong. Please God, help me in my unbelief.