And they went on to another village.
English Standard Version (ESV)
When the disciples wanted to call down fire on the unwelcoming Samaritans, Jesus’ quiet response wasn’t about their lack of zeal, but a gentle correction to their misunderstanding of his mission. He reminded them that his purpose wasn't destruction, but salvation, and then simply moved on to find a more receptive place. This wasn’t just a detour; it was a profound demonstration of prioritizing people over retribution, even when faced with harsh rejection.
And they went on to another village.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After being rejected by a Samaritan village and with Jesus resolutely heading towards Jerusalem for His crucifixion, two of His disciples, James and John, were so angered that they asked Jesus if they should call down fire from heaven to destroy the villagers. Jesus rebuked them, reminding them that His mission was to save lives, not destroy them, before they moved on to a different village.
When the disciples wanted to call down fire, Jesus had a different answer. What does this reveal about his purpose?
The disciples, James and John, were outraged when a Samaritan village rejected Jesus. They immediately thought of Elijah calling down fire from heaven to destroy their enemies. Their zeal, though perhaps passionate for Jesus, was misplaced.
Jesus' response, "For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them," is a powerful correction. This wasn't just a gentle suggestion; it was a foundational statement of his mission. He came with a purpose of redemption, not destruction. Even when faced with rejection and hostility, his primary aim was to bring life and salvation, not judgment upon those who opposed him.
This core truth is so important that it's found in various forms throughout Scripture, emphasizing God's heart for humanity.
When one door slams shut, what's the wise next step? Jesus shows us how to navigate rejection with grace.
After the Samaritans refused to welcome Jesus and his traveling companions, the disciples were ready to retaliate. But Jesus, ever the teacher, steered them in a different direction.
The verse states, "And they went on to another village." This wasn't a sign of defeat or a change of plans due to an insurmountable obstacle. Instead, it was a practical and wise decision.
The choice to move on to "another village" shows discernment. It implies that not every place or person was ready for Jesus' message at that moment. Instead of forcing the issue or engaging in conflict, Jesus and his followers moved towards a place where their message might be received more openly. The original language suggests they sought out a Jewish community, potentially more receptive than the Samaritans who had just rejected them.
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This teaches us that while we are called to be persistent in sharing the Good News, we are also called to be wise. It's about discerning when to press on and when to peacefully redirect our efforts.
The incident highlights the deep animosity between Jews and Samaritans, a tension Jesus intentionally navigated as he pressed toward his ultimate mission in Jerusalem.
c. 27-30 AD
Jesus' Ministry in Galilee
Jesus travels through Galilee, performing miracles and teaching about the Kingdom of God, attracting large crowds.
c. 30 AD
Journey Towards Jerusalem Begins
Jesus resolutely sets out for Jerusalem, knowing it is the place where he will be 'received up' (crucified and resurrected).
c. 30 AD— this verse
Samaritans Reject Jesus
Jesus sends messengers ahead to a Samaritan village to prepare for his stay. Because his face was set toward Jerusalem, and thus away from their traditions and toward the Jewish Temple, the Samaritans refuse to receive him.
c. 30 AD
Disciples' Zeal for Vengeance
James and John, angered by the rejection, ask Jesus if they should call down fire from heaven to destroy the village, referencing Elijah's example.
c. 30 AD
Jesus Rebukes Vengeance
Jesus rebukes his disciples, reminding them that his mission is to save lives, not destroy them, and that they should follow his example of patience and love.
c. 30 AD
Jesus Enters Another Village
Jesus and his disciples then move on to a different village, likely a Jewish one, to continue their journey toward Jerusalem.
This verse echoes Jesus' core mission statement: to seek and save the lost, directly contrasting with the disciples' initial destructive impulse.
John 3:17This passage reinforces the idea that Jesus' purpose was salvation, not condemnation, providing theological grounding for his gentle response to rejection.
1 Samuel 15:22Samuel's rebuke of Saul for disobedience highlights that obedience and valuing God's will (like Jesus' mission of salvation) is superior to outward sacrifices or forceful actions.
2 Kings 1:10This passage describes Elijah calling down fire, which James and John reference. Jesus' rebuke of his disciples here contrasts their vengeful spirit with Elijah's prophetic judgment, which was divinely authorized.
Isaiah 50:7This verse describes the Suffering Servant setting His face like flint towards His mission. This parallel underscores Jesus' resolute determination to go to Jerusalem for salvation, even in the face of rejection.
pulpitLuke 9:56: "For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another village."
Verse 56. - For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. This entire clause is absent in a large majority of the elder authorities. On every principle of criticism it must be, if not struck out, at least marked as of doubtful authenticity. Commentators are, however, vary loth to part with the words, which breathe, as has been remarked, "a spirit far…
barnesLuke 9:56: "For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another village."
For the Son of man ... - You should imitate, in your spirit, the Son of man. "He" came not to destroy. If he had come for that purpose, he would have destroyed these Samaritans; but he came to save. He is not soon angry. "He" bears patiently opposition to himself, and "you" should bear opposition to "him." You should catch his spirit; temper your zeal like his; seek to do good…
When the disciples wanted to call down fire on the unwelcoming Samaritans, Jesus’ quiet response wasn’t about their lack of zeal, but a gentle correction to their misunderstanding of his mission. He reminded them that his purpose wasn't destruction, but salvation, and then simply moved on to find a more receptive place. This wasn’t just a detour; it was a profound demonstration of prioritizing people over retribution, even when faced with harsh rejection.
After being rejected by a Samaritan village and with Jesus resolutely heading towards Jerusalem for His crucifixion, two of His disciples, James and John, were so angered that they asked Jesus if they should call down fire from heaven to destroy the villagers. Jesus rebuked them, reminding them that His mission was to save lives, not destroy them, before they moved on to a different village.
After being rejected by a Samaritan village and with Jesus resolutely heading towards Jerusalem for His crucifixion, two of His disciples, James and John, were so angered that they asked Jesus if they should call down fire from heaven to destroy the villagers. Jesus rebuked them, reminding them that His mission was to save lives, not destroy them, before they moved on to a different village.
"And they went on to another village." — When the disciples wanted to call down fire on the unwelcoming Samaritans, Jesus’ quiet response wasn’t about their lack of zeal, but a gentle correction to their misunderstanding of his mission. He…
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Last reviewed October 2026