HERE IS THE TURNING POINT IN THE MINISTRY OF JESUS - WITH DEEP EMOTION, PICTURE OF SAVIOR'S HEART

1. We see deeply into the heart and emotion of our Lord, deep feeling of virtue offended & hurt
2. Jesus gave no special treatment to the area in which He grew up, & did His most wonderful work
3. I wonder how Jesus would feel about Glendale, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa? YOUR HOME...

He has given so much to our church- how would He feel about the church? ?

I.- "WOE UNTO THEE"  Matt 11:21

The same lips that said "Rise & Walk", "Neither do I condemn thee, go and sin no more"- spoke this

A.- THESE THREE CITIES FACED A REAL CRISIS- BUT IT CAME AS A GREAT BLESSING, AND OPPORTUNITY!

1. They had the glory of Jesus performing over 35 recorded miracles within their area- many more?
2. They lapped up the blessings,- demanded more, but did not repent of their sins- Home boys- Apostate
3. Like all border towns- their sin & vice was great- but Jesus chose some of them as Apostles!

B.- THE GENTLE JESUS CRIED OUT AGAINST THEM STRANGE WORDS OF CONDEMNATION AND JUDGEMENT!

1. Woe- he began to upbraid them (you are disgraced) The God of love pronounced a curse
2. Tyre and Sidon would have repented (Like Nineveh) these were rough sea-ports, wicked
3. More tolerable (degrees of judgement) for them than you!  Degrees of punishment in Hell? -YES

C.-THE WOEFUL RESULTS OF THE CURSE OF JESUS UPON THESE THREE CITIES IN GALILEE!

1. Time has fulfilled the words of Jesus- these cities are no more! 2 completely unknown!
2. Capernaum- parts survived - Peter's house; ruins of synagogue rebuilding stopped! - Cursed
3. But judgement is on the people! -Not walls & stones; so yet to come individuals in hell!-

Some of greatest Apostles came from this area- why choose them- & curse the rest?

II.- "WOE UNTO PHOENIX & TUCSON ?? Bring up to date!

Luke 12:48 - "To whom much is given, of him shall be much required" -a Spiritual law

A.- CITIES OF ARIZONA FACE A CRISIS, AND IT IS NOT UNLIKE THAT OF PAST CENTURIES

1. Great opportunity- Gospel churches, western hospitality, climate, and great wealth - built on past canals
2. But cities have revolted against God- Sin & vice race ahead of nation- Pornography, crime, safety
3. The blood on pavement cries out- there is more blood to come!  Man's cruelty to man!

B.- GOD HAS WORDS OF JUDGEMENT, AND WITH EVERY YEAR I FEEL MORE LIKE THE MINOR PROPHETS

1. All of God's love cannot cover the lack of repentance of the worldly people- Christians & all
2. Capernaum was exalted unto heaven- 2 Christian radio, 1 TV. 4 Christian Colleges; center of Religion
3. But few Christians take a stand against sin- & when some try- others mock them;- like Lot

C.- THE RESULTS MIGHT NOT BE LONG IN COMING TO OUR CITIES, TO OUR CHURCHES, TO OUR PEOPLE

1. The city is built on ancient ruins- what happened to them? Will others wonder centuries from now?
2. The lukewarm toleration of sin brings a curse on Christians in this life for others- Hell- forever
3. Strange prophecies against Phoenix - flood, famine, pestilence, disease, civil strife???

I feel grieved about the present suffering for sin- & burdened about the future of Phoenix.

III.- LIGHT ON A DARK NIGHT

Jesus answered and said- 11:25- what can He teach in the light of doubt, thoughtlessness, irrepentance?

A.- A MESSAGE OF PRAISE, "I THANK THEE, O FATHER, BECAUSE" NOTE GREAT LESSON FOR US

1. The message "Prison to praise" - men overdo it - but Jesus saw something to praise Father for
2. The rejection was a fact - but also "the common people heard Him gladly" the poor, humble,-
3. God has given a great spirit and depth to the humble, meek,- Spiritual gifts here too!

B. COME UNTO ME, NO OTHER WAY TO KNOW, OR BE WHAT GOD CAN BLESS! HAVE YOU COME TO JESUS?

1. 27b suggestive of God's sovereignty, selection, predestination, election, and grace
2. But the invitation- "Whosoever will" - the incomparable invitation to all who will - do you?
3. When sin's suffering is enough- we must personally come- crushed heart- God blesses- rest

C.- "TAKE MY YOKE UPON YOU, LEARN OF ME" - A PLEA FROM THE HEART OF JESUS - DO YOU HEAR HIM?

1. What is the yoke? Cf. 10:35-39 - If you really want to know why not learn of Him- study!
2. Being saved is free - acting like a Christian costs- Do you love enough? Separation from World
3. The joy of real love makes any sacrifice worthwhile-

The yoke is easy, burden light- but few ever find out! -Faith to obey,

THOSE TO WHOM JESUS GAVE THE MOST, HE LATER HAD TO CURSE, ONLY A FEW FOUND REAL LIFE!

1. Will you be one who comes to Jesus- If you do not, your curse is greater because of tonight
2. If you are burdened enough to be saved- are you burdened enough to be separated unto the Lord?
3. Do you think you can out give the Lord in personal obedience?  Why not pick up your cross?