11:20–24 Although the crowds listened to Jesus gladly (Mark 12:37b), there followed no serious change of heart. They rejected the austerity of John and the open-mindedness of Jesus. The very towns where Jesus had performed most of his miracles had neither recognized him as the Coming One (11:3) nor turned from their sins. Thus, instead of blessing (11:6), they are to receive woe (v. 21). That the three cities mentioned in verse 21–23 lie relatively close to each other just to the north of the Sea of Galilee suggests that Jesus himself (in contrast to the Twelve, who were sent throughout Galilee) stayed rather close to home.

The pronouncement woe to you (v. 21) occurs frequently in Matthew (esp. in chap. 23). Although it warns of final judgment, it is an expression of grief rather than ant…