But he turned and rebuked them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus’s rebuke isn't just about the disciples' desire for vengeance; it highlights their misunderstanding of their own underlying motivations. They think they're acting out of righteous zeal for him, but Jesus reveals it’s actually fueled by an impure spirit, a mix of personal pique and misplaced pride rather than his true spirit of love and reconciliation.
But he turned and rebuked them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem for the last time, but a Samaritan village refuses to welcome him because his journey is towards their rivals in Jerusalem. In response, his disciples James and John, remembering Elijah's actions, want to call down fire from heaven to destroy the villagers. Jesus, however, turns and rebukes them, correcting their vengeful spirit and reminding them of his mission to save, not destroy.
When rejected by the Samaritans, the disciples wanted to call down fire. Jesus' response wasn't what they expected. It revealed a critical difference between their spirit and His.
The Disciples' Impulsiveness
James and John, eager to defend Jesus, saw the Samaritans' rejection and immediately thought of Elijah calling down fire from heaven. They wanted to do the same. This impulse, while perhaps stemming from a misguided zeal for Jesus, was not the spirit of the new covenant.
Jesus' Gentle Correction
Jesus turned and rebuked them, not for their loyalty, but for the spirit behind their request. He pointed out that they didn't understand the kind of spirit that truly defined His mission: a spirit of love, peace, and salvation, not destruction. The disciples were acting out of anger and a desire for vengeance, mirroring Old Testament judgments, but failing to grasp the grace-filled, redemptive purpose of Jesus' coming.
The disciples appealed to Elijah's example. But Jesus made it clear that their time, and His mission, operated under a different, higher principle.
Old Testament Zeal vs. New Testament Grace
James and John's reference to Elijah was understandable. Elijah indeed called down fire in a specific context under the Old Covenant. However, Jesus highlighted that this was not the defining spirit of His own ministry or the age He was inaugurating.
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The Spirit of Christ
Jesus explained, 'The Son of Man came not to destroy men's lives but to save them.' This statement is the heart of the Gospel. While the Old Covenant often involved judgment and retribution in response to disobedience, Jesus came to offer forgiveness, reconciliation, and eternal life. His followers were to reflect this profound shift in God's dealings with humanity – a move from wrath to redemption, from condemnation to salvation. The disciples' desire for immediate judgment missed the core of grace that Jesus embodied and intended to spread.
Understand the original words
epitimaō · Greek Verb
An authoritative expression of disapproval or correction, intended to turn someone away from a wrong action, attitude, or misunderstanding of God's character.
This event highlights the tension between the Old Testament's legal and sometimes severe judgments and the New Covenant's emphasis on mercy and salvation, which Jesus embodied. The disciples' reaction shows how easily zeal for God can be corrupted by personal anger and a misunderstanding of Christ's mission.
c. 8th century BC
Samaritan Temple Built
A Samaritan temple was built on Mount Gerizim, creating a religious and cultural divide with Jerusalem and the Jewish people.
c. 1st century AD
Samaritan Rejection of Jewish Pilgrims
Samaritans, holding ancient prejudices against Jewish practices, often refused hospitality to Jewish pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem for festivals.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Ministry in Galilee
Jesus carried out much of his public ministry in Galilee, a region north of Samaria.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Journey Towards Jerusalem
Jesus, knowing his time to be 'received up' was near, resolutely set out for Jerusalem, passing through or near Samaria.
c. AD 30-33
Disciples' Zeal and Request
Upon being rejected by a Samaritan village, James and John, indignant, asked Jesus if they should call down fire to destroy them, recalling Elijah's actions.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Rebuke and Teaching
Jesus rebuked James and John, correcting their vengeful spirit and teaching them that the Son of Man came to save lives, not destroy them.
This passage directly relates to the disciples' request, as they recall Elijah calling down fire from heaven on those who sought to arrest him. Jesus rebukes them for wanting to emulate Elijah's actions, highlighting a difference in spirit.
Romans 12:19Paul urges believers to 'never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God,' echoing Jesus' rebuke of his disciples and emphasizing that vengeance belongs to God, not to followers of Christ.
John 3:17Jesus states, 'For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in it through him might be saved.' This highlights the salvific, not destructive, mission of the Son of Man, contrasting with the disciples' desire to destroy.
Galatians 5:22-23These verses describe the fruit of the Spirit as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. This stands in direct contrast to the vengeful spirit the disciples were exhibiting.
1 John 4:8The verse states, 'Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.' This fundamental truth underscores why the disciples' desire to call down fire was contrary to the very nature of God they were supposed to represent.
wesleyLuke 9:55: "But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of."
9:55 Ye know not what manner of spirit - The spirit of Christianity is. It is not a spirit of wrath and vengeance, but of peace, and gentleness, and love.
barnesLuke 9:55: "But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of."
Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of - You suppose that you are actuated by a proper love for me; but you know not yourselves. It is rather a love of revenge; rather revengeful feelings toward the "Samaritans" than proper feelings toward "me." We learn here: 1. That "apparent" zeal for God may be only improper opposition toward our fellow-men. 2. That people, when they wish to honor God,…
Jesus’s rebuke isn't just about the disciples' desire for vengeance; it highlights their misunderstanding of their own underlying motivations. They think they're acting out of righteous zeal for him, but Jesus reveals it’s actually fueled by an impure spirit, a mix of personal pique and misplaced pride rather than his true spirit of love and reconciliation.
Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem for the last time, but a Samaritan village refuses to welcome him because his journey is towards their rivals in Jerusalem. In response, his disciples James and John, remembering Elijah's actions, want to call down fire from heaven to destroy the villagers. Jesus, however, turns and rebukes them, correcting their vengeful spirit and reminding them of his mission to save, not destroy.
Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem for the last time, but a Samaritan village refuses to welcome him because his journey is towards their rivals in Jerusalem. In response, his disciples James and John, remembering Elijah's actions, want to call down fire from heaven to destroy the villagers. Jesus, however, turns and rebukes them, correcting their vengeful spirit and reminding them of his mission to save, not destroy.
"But he turned and rebuked them." — Jesus’s rebuke isn't just about the disciples' desire for vengeance; it highlights their misunderstanding of their own underlying motivations. They think they're acting out of righteous zeal for hi…
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Last reviewed October 2026