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

Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Time Together Meant Time in Prayer'
"[After Jesus' ascension,] the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, a distance of half a mile. When they arrived, they went to the...."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: 1 Kings 22:48
"Solomon's ships had returned in safety, but Jehoshaphat's vessels never reached the land of gold. Providence prospers one, and frustrates the desires...."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'God Rescues, Protects, & Strengthens'
"The Lord is my solid rock, my fortress, my rescuer. My God is my rock — I take refuge in him! — he’s my shield and my salvation’s strength, my place...."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
2 Corinthians 5:19-20
"God has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on..."

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!