Luke 9:51-56
When it came close to the time for his Ascension, he gathered up his courage and steeled himself for the journey to Jerusalem. He sent messengers on ahead. They came to a Samaritan village to make arrangements for his hospitality. But when the Samaritans learned that his destination was Jerusalem, they refused hospitality. When the disciples James and John learned of it, they said, “Master, do you want us to call a bolt of lightning down out of the sky and incinerate them?”
Jesus turned on them: “Of course not!” And they traveled on to another village.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
This passage reminds me of the classic “Want me to beat him/her up for you?” scenario of a zealous friend or big brother/sister from our childhood! The notes surrounding these verses indicate that the Jews had referred to the Samaritans as “half-breeds”, which obviously did not go over well.
Information found at Catholic Answers* explains…“Because of their imperfect adherence to Judaism and their partly pagan ancestry, the Samaritans were despised by ordinary Jews. Rather than contaminate themselves by passing through Samaritan territory, Jews who were traveling from Judea to Galilee or vice versa would cross over the river Jordan, bypass Samaria by going through Transjordan, and cross over the river again as they neared their destination.”
Everyone is entitled to their opinion…even the Samaritans who didn’t approve of Jesus visiting Jerusalem. But this doesn’t give us reason to make a scene…and actually, to do so tarnishes our Christian witness. We saw a good example of this recently in Ferguson, Missouri. People felt strongly on both sides of this issue…and there were proper channels for expressing disapproval and outrage. But the rioting and burning of buildings and businesses…some of which were in no way involved in this whole debacle…was just plain wrong. And anyone who participated in these acts while claiming to be a Christian dishonored their faith and discipleship.
Like the reactions of our childhood, sometimes we want to lash out. It’s a natural, human tendency. But we are called to be better than this…and we have the Perfect Example of how and why it’s a bad idea. If anyone ever had reason for retaliation, it was Jesus…and yet, He never lost His cool. So what makes us think this should ever be okay for us?
©2015 Debbie Robus
*http://www.catholic.com/quickquestions/who-were-the-samaritans-and-why-were-they-important
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