Daily Word Of God
Luke 9:51-56
As the time drew near for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely turned his face towards Jerusalem and sent messengers ahead of him. These set out, and they went into a Samaritan village to make preparations for him, but the people would not receive him because he was making for Jerusalem.
Seeing this, the disciples James and John said, ‘Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to burn them up?’ But he turned and rebuked them, and they went on to another village.
Today's Pointers on God's Word
As you read the passage what words, phases or meanings caught your attention?
- The Samaritans’ prejudice made them see Jesus as an “enemy” because He was heading towards Jerusalem, an “enemy territory.”
- Likewise, while we may have honest motive to be involved in a programme, or ministry, we may be viewed with suspicion. In such situations, we are often affected and may even get upset, like the disciples who wanted to destroy the Samaritans.
- However, Jesus did not take such views personally, and forgave them. He understood their behaviours; on the contrary He was not judgmental towards them but tried to build bridges that brought more unity instead of dissensions.