Then he began to reproach the towns where most of his mighty deeds had been done, since they had not repented. "Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would long ago have repented in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon on the Day of Judgment than for you. And as for you, Capernaum: 'Will you be exalted to heaven? You will go down to the netherworld.' For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom on the Day of Judgment than for you." (Mt11:20-24)
In this passage Jesus speaks about three types of towns. They are: 1) Chorazin and Bethsaida, 2) Tyre and Sidon, 3) Sodom. These three groups of towns are talked about in context of God’s mighty works and repentance. They are also compared among themselves in this context.
Since the discussion is about repentance, we can guess that the people were going in the wrong direction from what Jesus was preaching. Jesus was in Capernaum and the two towns that he was talking about are close to the place where he was. Jesus was talking about a kingdom of peace mercy love etc. But the people wanted to go on war with the opponents and establish a kingdom. So Jesus asked for repentance.
If the people do not repent then the consequences are presented like destruction. Sodom is presented as an example. God’s judgement will be severe on the towns which do not follow God’s ways. Day of Judgement will reveal the relationship of the town to God’s invitation.
