Jesus Corrects His Followers Without Rejection: Fire on the Samaritan Village
Let’s stick with the theme of seeing Jesus’ correction or discipline for His follower’s failures or sins that is devoid of any rejection. Often we are afraid of correction or discipline. However, most of this stems from a fear of being rejected either personally or positionally. As we review Jesus’ correction, we find the Gardner who is pruning us for one reason: Good Growth (John 15:2). As the fear of rejection is removed we can give ourselves to Jesus’ correction (pruning) and rejoice in growth even though it might involve some pain.
Consider Luke 9:51 – 56 and the footnote (NIV). It is near the end of Jesus 3 and ½ year ministry. Jesus commits Himself to go to Jerusalem and bear the sins of the human race. As He is walking through Israel towards Jerusalem He sends messengers ahead of them to a Samaritan village. Jesus wants to organize a visit there. The Samaritans, however, reject Jesus’ request because He was headed for Jerusalem. James and John see this and are offended and furious! Possibly thinking of Elijah and the demon worshiping prophets of Baal in I Kings 18, they ask Jesus if they can call down fire or a lightening on the Samaritans to kill them. The NIV footnote says that Jesus rebuked James and John saying, “You do not know what kind of spirit you are of, for the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them.”
We don’t get a ton of insight into the emotions of Jesus from the text. However, we do know that James and John are offended and their anger is so intense they suggest killing the whole village. This is nothing less than outright grievous sin. This isn’t just a “screw-up.” Jesus “rebukes” the disciples.
Rebuke isn’t a word we use in our language, so let’s define it. The dictionary defines “rebuke” as “An expression of sharp disapproval.” Some synonyms include: reprove, reprimand, upbraid or reproach. This isn’t a passive or sissy word. Jesus is sharply correcting His followers! There is intensity and there is vigor in His actions!
This is similar to Jesus sharply rebuking Peter when he tries to stop Jesus from going to the cross (Matt 16:23). Peter appeals to Jesus to preserve His own life. Jesus turns His back to Peter and looks at the other disciples saying “Get behind me Satan, you don’t have in mind the things of God but of men!” It is sharp discipline to the soon-to-be leader of the new Church. And get this: Jesus does it to protect the people who will follow Him thru the disciples leadership. Protection of the people is a key element to Jesus’ fierceness and intensity.
Jesus also sharply corrects James and John! But note the element of protection on behalf of the Samaritan village? Jesus deeply cares about these Samaritan people.
The correction that Jesus brings without rejection perfectly reveals the Father’s correction without rejection for those who follow Him. When we separate correction from rejection we grow in confidence before God to serve Him and take risks with Him!
Prayer: Jesus, I love seeing another example of your intensity that has protection in it. I love the fact that you bring correction to your followers so that they might grow and be good leaders. Thank you that you are not passive in these situations, but you are strong because you care. I delight in your goodness! But I also want to be more like You! Draw me to You (intimacy) and also help me run (in ministry) and be like You!
