Gold nuggets
Miracles could have saved Sodom and Gomorrah
If the miracles that occurred in Jesus' town, Capernaum, had happened in Sodom, the city would have been spared judgment, says Jesus, because they would have repented:
"And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades; for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I say to you that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment than for you."
Matt. 11:23–24
Many of Jesus' miracles happened in Capernaum, for he lived there for much of his life as a preacher. The people there witnessed many miracles but did not repent. Jesus said in his defense:
"No prophet is accepted in his own country."
Luke 4:24
Jesus prophesied that the judgment on the inhabitants of his town would be great on the day of judgment. The more spiritual light given to a city, place, or country, the more God will require of its people.
Miracles attract attention and lead people to thoughts that can lead to faith and salvation. When we repent and ask for grace for our sins, God is willing to forgive and set aside the judgment that was planned.
The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah did not experience miracles. They had no healing evangelist or anyone praying for the sick in their midst. Therefore, they did not turn from their sin, and judgment came. Fire from heaven destroyed the cities and all life there (Gen. 19:24–26).
A tragedy that could have been avoided. But the people of Capernaum will fare much worse than the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment. People in Capernaum saw Jesus perform many wonders there in the town, but they did not repent of their sins (Matt. 11:24). Their sins were not sodomy, but likely pride and arrogance, one of the Bible's worst sins. The Bible says:
"God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble."
James 4:6
Proud people have no need for God.