16 "But to what shall I compare this generation ? It is like children sitting in the market places , who call out to the other children, 17 and say , 'We played the flute for you, and you did not dance ; we sang a dirge , and you did not mourn .' 18 "For John came neither eating nor drinking , and they say , ' He has a demon !' 19 "The Son of Man came eating and drinking , and they say , 'Behold , a gluttonous man and a drunkard , a friend of tax collectors and sinners !' Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds ."
20 Then He began to denounce the cities in which most of His miracles were done , because they did not repent . 21 " Woe to you, Chorazin ! Woe to you, Bethsaida ! For if the miracles had occurred in Tyre and Sidon which occurred in you, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes . 22 "Nevertheless I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment than for you. 23 "And you, Capernaum , will not be exalted to heaven , will you? You will descend to Hades ; for if the miracles had occurred in Sodom which occurred in you, it would have remained to this day . 24 "Nevertheless I say to you that it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment , than for you."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Matthew 11:16-24
Commentary on Matthew 11:16-24
(Read Matthew 11:16-24)
Christ reflects on the scribes and Pharisees, who had a proud conceit of themselves. He likens their behaviour to children's play, who being out of temper without reason, quarrel with all the attempts of their fellows to please them, or to get them to join in the plays for which they used to assemble. The cavils of worldly men are often very trifling and show great malice. Something they have to urge against every one, however excellent and holy. Christ, who was undefiled, and separate from sinners, is here represented as in league with them, and polluted by them. The most unspotted innocence will not always be a defence against reproach. Christ knew that the hearts of the Jews were more bitter and hardened against his miracles and doctrines, than those of Tyre and Sidon would have been; therefore their condemnation would be the greater. The Lord exercises his almighty power, yet he punishes none more than they deserve, and never withholds the knowledge of the truth from those who long after it.