And he sent messengers ahead of him. On their way they entered a village of the Samaritans to make ready for him; but they did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem.” vss. 52-53
Luke 9:51-56
Not everyone welcomed Jesus when he showed up on his journeys. This village of Samaritans, regarded with contempt by most Jews because of their suspect lineage, was not willing to show him or his disciples’ hospitality. The disciples were surprised and a couple, James and John, became angry. They were so angry that they asked permission from Jesus to destroy the whole village. Sadly, that reaction has at times become commonplace among followers of Jesus. History tells us that Christians were very willing to destroy whole cities and participate in crusades at the drop of a hat. Even now there are evangelical Christians who would be very willing to call down fire from heaven on their perceived enemies. Violence is a visible sign of humanity’s brokenness, and being people of faith does not seem to have made us immune. But Jesus had none of it when James and John threatened the Samaritans, and there should be no accommodation for it now. Jesus was the Prince of Peace, and he famously said in the Sermon on the Mount, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.” He meant it then and he means it now. There’s no room in the Peaceable Kingdom for retribution and revenge. We are called to love our neighbors and pray for our enemies.
Thought for the Day: What moves followers of Jesus to engage in violence?
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