This past Sunday I had the privilege of preaching through Matthew 11:20-24. It is a judgment text with no good news in it. Speaking to two cities that saw Jesus do “mighty works,” He states that

“it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you” (v. 22).

And then Jesus says to the third city: “You will be brought down to Hades” (v. 23) and “I tell you that it will be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom than for you.”

A most depressing segment of Matthew’s Gospel, to be sure. The mood of such Scripture is somber to say the least and the mood of the sermon should match this. And it does for much of the exposition.

However, two things alter that mood.

First, the condition of my listeners meant that there is cause for celebration. Many of my listeners could offer thanks to God for the fact that they had done what the three cities and their inhabitants didn’t do. Many of them–probably most of them–had repented at some point when they heard the Gospel.

Second, the fact that Christ is our Judge means that we can be comforted by the thought of the “day of judgment.” I was able to say to our congregants:

“Your Judge was judged for our sin so that He could one day be our Judge at the Judgment. Just think that your Judge will be your Redeemer, the One who gave His life for you! Imagine how He will rule your case!”

Again, what is, by and large, a most somber, judgment text now contains an element of celebration when we consider the results of God judging His Son on the cross for sinners. No more fear of judgment day. Only praise for the righteousness of Christ credited to our account!

May our Lord receive glory in the church and in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 3:21) as you consider how the Gospel affects the mood of even judgment texts.

Randal