The King's voice

As Christ considers what is at stake for those who are about to hear his messengers, his soul grieves over those who have heard and who have rejected the truth.

In the context, then, we need to understand the mercy offered. That helps grasp the substance and tone of the sorrow announced. The reason for the sorrow lies in the response expected, one of sincere repentance. That sets up the contrast made, between places like Sodom, Tyre and Sidon, and Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum. And so there is a warning issued for those who will yet hear the peace of God in Christ offered in mercy to the hell-deserving. And so there is a lesson taught to us, about the way that we respond to the voice of the King as we hear it today as his servants faithfully proclaim his word.