And he sent messengers ahead of him, who went and entered a village of the Samaritans, to make preparations for him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
While the verse states Jesus sent "messengers," the original Greek actually uses the word for "angels." This isn't referring to heavenly beings, but it highlights how those sent by Jesus were acting as His divine emissaries, carrying His authority and purpose. It also underscores Jesus' deliberate action to prepare accommodations, showing He wasn't trying to force His way or rely on goodwill, especially given the tense relationship with the Samaritans.
And he sent messengers ahead of him, who went and entered a village of the Samaritans, to make preparations for him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is traveling towards Jerusalem, and as His journey nears its end, He sends messengers ahead into a Samaritan village to prepare lodging and provisions. This act of sending ahead is a practical step due to the large number of followers now accompanying Him, but it also sets the stage for a significant conflict that arises from the deep-seated animosity between Jews and Samaritans. The disciples’ reaction to the village's refusal to receive Jesus, based on their destination of Jerusalem, highlights this historical tension.
Jesus was heading towards Jerusalem, a journey fraught with danger and rejection. Why send messengers ahead, especially to a place known for hostility?
Jesus' journey to Jerusalem wasn't a casual stroll; it was a purposeful march towards His destiny.
Strategic Advance
Sending messengers ahead was a practical step to ensure basic needs like lodging and refreshment were met. The growing crowd following Jesus made this preparation essential, preventing disruption and ensuring the group could continue moving forward.
Facing the Unfamiliar
This act also highlights Jesus' intentional engagement with the Samaritans, a people with a deeply strained relationship with the Jews. Despite the historical animosity, Jesus didn't shy away from their territory, demonstrating a deliberate approach to His mission that transcended ethnic and religious divides.
Why would Jesus send His disciples to the Samaritans, a group so despised by the Jews? What does this reveal about Jesus' mission?
The animosity between Jews and Samaritans was deep-seated, rooted in centuries of religious and ethnic conflict.
A Deep Divide
Descendants of a mixed population brought in by Assyrians, the Samaritans had their own temple and distinct religious practices, leading to their rejection by orthodox Jews. The Jews viewed them with intense scorn, refusing any dealings with them and even cursing them in synagogues.
Ask a follow-up
Jesus' Wider Embrace
Despite this intense hatred, Jesus consistently interacted with Samaritans, demonstrating that His mission extended beyond the 'chosen' people to include those on the fringes. This encounter, where the Samaritans refused to receive Him, foreshadowed the rejection Jesus would face, even from His own people.
This event highlights the deep-seated animosity between Jews and Samaritans, a division solidified over centuries of religious and ethnic conflict. Jesus' willingness to send messengers ahead into a Samaritan village, despite this history and His own impending journey to Jerusalem, underscores His radical inclusivity and mission that transcends these divides.
c. 8th century BC
Samarian Population Established
The Assyrian king Esarhaddon resettles people from Babylon and other regions into the depopulated territory of the northern kingdom of Israel. These newcomers eventually adopt worship of the Lord but remain distinct from the Jews.
c. 409 BC
Rival Temple Built on Mount Gerizim
Rejected by the Jews in their attempt to help rebuild the Jerusalem Temple after the Babylonian exile, the Samaritans build their own temple on Mount Gerizim, deepening the religious and ethnic schism with Judea.
Early 1st century AD
Jewish-Samaritan Enmity Widespread
By Jesus' time, the animosity between Jews and Samaritans is intense. Jews often curse Samaritans in synagogues and consider them worse than Gentiles, avoiding any contact.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Ministry Begins
Jesus begins his public ministry, often ministering in Galilee and Judea, with His disciples and a growing following. The political and religious climate is tense.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Journey Towards Jerusalem
As the time for Jesus' crucifixion approaches, He sets His face towards Jerusalem, knowing what awaits Him. His ministry becomes more focused on this ultimate purpose.
This verse highlights the deep animosity between Jews and Samaritans, making Jesus' decision to send messengers to a Samaritan village, and His later interactions with them, even more striking.
Matthew 10:5This passage shows Jesus initially instructing His disciples to avoid Samaritan towns, which contrasts with the action in Luke 9:52, indicating a shift in strategy or a specific purpose for this visit.
2 Kings 17:24-29This provides the historical context for the Samaritan people, explaining their mixed origins and their separate religious practices, which fueled the conflict with the Jews.
Luke 9:54-56Immediately following this event, James and John's reaction to being rejected by the Samaritans reveals their own lack of understanding of Jesus' mission of compassion, directly contrasting with Jesus' peaceful response.
wesleyLuke 9:52: "And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him."
9:52 He sent messengers to make ready - A lodging and needful entertainment for him and those with him.
pulpitLuke 9:52: "And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him."
Verse 52. - And sent messengers before his face. Probably, as the sequel shows, these were John and James. This was necessary at this period of the Lord's life. A numerous company now usually followed the Lord; it is probable that many of those most devoted to him, both men and women, scarcely ever left him, now that the popular enthusiasm was waning, and the num…
While the verse states Jesus sent "messengers," the original Greek actually uses the word for "angels." This isn't referring to heavenly beings, but it highlights how those sent by Jesus were acting as His divine emissaries, carrying His authority and purpose. It also underscores Jesus' deliberate action to prepare accommodations, showing He wasn't trying to force His way or rely on goodwill, especially given the tense relationship with the Samaritans.
Jesus is traveling towards Jerusalem, and as His journey nears its end, He sends messengers ahead into a Samaritan village to prepare lodging and provisions. This act of sending ahead is a practical step due to the large number of followers now accompanying Him, but it also sets the stage for a significant conflict that arises from the deep-seated animosity between Jews and Samaritans. The disciples’ reaction to the village's refusal to receive Jesus, based on their destination of Jerusalem, highlights this historical tension.
Jesus is traveling towards Jerusalem, and as His journey nears its end, He sends messengers ahead into a Samaritan village to prepare lodging and provisions. This act of sending ahead is a practical step due to the large number of followers now accompanying Him, but it also sets the stage for a significant conflict that arises from the deep-seated animosity between Jews and Samaritans. The disciples’ reaction to the village's refusal to receive Jesus, based on their destination of Jerusalem, highlights this historical tension.
"And he sent messengers ahead of him, who went and entered a village of the Samaritans, to make preparations for him." — While the verse states Jesus sent "messengers," the original Greek actually uses the word for "angels." This isn't referring to heavenly beings, but it highlights how those sent by Jesus were acting…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026