Luke 9:55-56
But he turned and rebuked them. And they went on to another village.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Luke 9:55-56
But he turned and rebuked them. And they went on to another village.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Jesus's sharp rebuke isn't just about anger; it's a crucial correction about the very nature of the "spirit" driving their desire for vengeance. He's pointing out that their impulse to call down fire, though seemingly zealous for him, actually stems from a spirit unlike His own, which is defined by love and salvation, not destruction.
Jesus is determined to go to Jerusalem, even though He knows what awaits Him there. When His messengers are rejected by a Samaritan village, James and John, eager to defend Jesus, ask if they should call down fire from heaven to destroy them, just like Elijah did. Jesus turns to them and rebukes their vengeful request, explaining that their desire for destruction is not aligned with the spirit of His mission.
When Jesus' disciples saw Samaritans reject him, their immediate reaction was fierce. They wanted to call down fire from heaven! What drives our own passionate responses, and are they always aligned with God's heart?
A Misguided Zeal
James and John, still burning from the Samaritans' rejection of Jesus, were ready to unleash divine judgment. They saw a parallel to Elijah calling down fire on those who challenged him (2 Kings 1:10). Their intent seemed good – to defend Jesus and uphold God's honor. However, Jesus immediately corrects them: "You know not what manner of spirit you are of."
Examining Our Motives
Jesus reveals that their zeal wasn't pure. It was mixed with personal offense and a desire for vengeful action, not the compassionate spirit of God's kingdom. The commentary highlights this: apparent zeal for God can mask improper feelings toward others. We must constantly ask ourselves: Is my passion for righteousness fueled by God's Spirit, or by my own pride, anger, or desire for retribution?
Jesus came to save, not destroy. Learn how His mission defines a radical difference between the Old Covenant and the New, and how that impacts how we should act.
A New Kind of Power
Jesus contrasts the disciples' fiery reaction with His own mission. "For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men's lives but to save them." This statement is central to understanding the heart of the Gospel. While the Old Covenant, particularly under Elijah, sometimes involved executing God's judgment, Jesus inaugurates a new era. His purpose is salvation and redemption, not annihilation.
The Spirit of Grace
The spirit Jesus embodies and calls His followers to is one of mercy, patience, and love, even towards enemies. He wasn't against enforcing justice, but His method and ultimate goal were different. He demonstrated this by His own example: even as He faced rejection and headed towards His crucifixion, His focus was on fulfilling His salvific mission. This contrasts sharply with the disciples' impulse to mimic Old Testament judgments without understanding the new spirit they were meant to embody.
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.
The disciples' zeal, though seemingly for Jesus, was rooted in a vengeful spirit reminiscent of the Old Testament law, not the compassionate, saving mission of Jesus under the new covenant of grace.
c. 875 BC
Elijah Destroys Soldiers
The prophet Elijah calls down fire from heaven to destroy two companies of soldiers sent by King Ahaziah to arrest him, fulfilling God's judgment.
c. 400 BC
Samaritan Temple Built
A rival temple to Jerusalem's is built on Mount Gerizim, fueling centuries of animosity and religious division between Jews and Samaritans.
c. AD 28
Jesus Travels Toward Jerusalem
Jesus resolutely journeys towards Jerusalem for the final Passover, knowing His 'exaltation' (death and resurrection) is imminent. This marks a turning point in His ministry.
c. AD 28
Samaritans Refuse Hospitality
Villagers in Samaria deny Jesus and His disciples lodging because they are traveling to Jerusalem, a city and temple the Samaritans oppose.
c. AD 28
This passage describes Elijah calling down fire on soldiers, a parallel James and John wrongly invoked, showing how even righteous acts from the Old Testament could be misapplied by a vengeful spirit.
John 4:9Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman highlights the historical animosity between Jews and Samaritans, providing context for why the Samaritans rejected Jesus and the disciples' fiery reaction.
Romans 12:19Paul's instruction to 'never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God' directly echoes Jesus' rebuke, emphasizing that vengeance belongs to God and Christians should pursue peace and love.
1 John 4:8This verse states 'God is love,' which stands in stark contrast to the spirit of vengeance the disciples exhibited, reminding us that the Christian spirit is one of love, not destruction.
Matthew 18:21-22Jesus' teaching on forgiving seventy times seven demonstrates a radical commitment to mercy and patience, contrasting sharply with the disciples' desire for immediate retribution and highlighting the spirit Jesus advocated.
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 sharp rebuke isn't just about anger; it's a crucial correction about the very nature of the "spirit" driving their desire for vengeance. He's pointing out that their impulse to call down fire, though seemingly zealous for him, actually stems from a spirit unlike His own, which is defined by love and salvation, not destruction.
Jesus is determined to go to Jerusalem, even though He knows what awaits Him there. When His messengers are rejected by a Samaritan village, James and John, eager to defend Jesus, ask if they should call down fire from heaven to destroy them, just like Elijah did. Jesus turns to them and rebukes their vengeful request, explaining that their desire for destruction is not aligned with the spirit of His mission.
Jesus is determined to go to Jerusalem, even though He knows what awaits Him there. When His messengers are rejected by a Samaritan village, James and John, eager to defend Jesus, ask if they should call down fire from heaven to destroy them, just like Elijah did. Jesus turns to them and rebukes their vengeful request, explaining that their desire for destruction is not aligned with the spirit of His mission.
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Disciples Request Divine Vengeance
James and John, witnessing the rejection, ask Jesus if they should call down fire from heaven to destroy the Samaritans, invoking Elijah's example.
c. AD 28
Jesus Rebukes Disciples' Spirit
Jesus turns and gently rebukes James and John, correcting their desire for vengeance and explaining that His mission is one of salvation, not destruction.
"But he turned and rebuked them. And they went on to another village." — Jesus's sharp rebuke isn't just about anger; it's a crucial correction about the very nature of the "spirit" driving their desire for vengeance. He's pointing out that their impulse to call down fire…