Samaritans Reject Jesus (Luke 9:51-56)
What Is the Meaning of Luke 9:51-56?
In Luke 9:51-56, Jesus begins His final journey to Jerusalem, but a Samaritan village refuses to welcome him. In response, James and John want to call down fire from heaven, echoing Elijah’s judgment in 2 Kings. However, Jesus rebukes them, emphasizing that his mission is not about destruction but redemption. Later, in Acts, these same disciples pray for the Samaritans to receive the Holy Spirit rather than judgment, showing a remarkable transformation. This passage challenges us to reject religious hostility and embrace the patience and mercy of Christ.
Samaritan Opposition to Jesus (Luke 9:51-56) – A Verse-by-Verse Breakdown and Commentary
Luke 9:51 – Jesus Resolutely Sets His Face Toward Jerusalem
“When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem.”
This verse is more than a geographical marker; it signals a theological shift. Up until now, Jesus’ ministry has been marked by teaching, miracles, and growing popularity. But here, Luke introduces a new phase—one of suffering, rejection, and ultimate glory.
The phrase “set his face” is significant. It echoes Isaiah 50:7, where the Suffering Servant says, “I have set my face like flint.” Flint is a hard, unyielding stone—Jesus is now unwavering in his mission. He knows Jerusalem will bring betrayal and crucifixion, yet he goes willingly.
Additionally, the phrase “to be taken up” refers not just to his death, but to his resurrection and ascension. Jesus’ eyes are fixed on the whole picture—not just the suffering, but the glory beyond it. This challenges us: do we follow Jesus only when the road is easy, or are we committed even when the path leads through suffering?
Luke 9:52-53 – The Samaritans Reject Jesus
“And he sent messengers ahead of him. On their way they entered a Samaritan village to make preparations for him, but they did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem.”
Jesus, as he often does, sends messengers ahead to prepare the way. But this Samaritan village refuses him—not because they don’t know who he is, but because of deep-seated religious and ethnic tensions.
The Samaritans and Jews had a long history of animosity. Samaritans believed that true worship should happen on Mount Gerizim, while Jews insisted on Jerusalem (John 4:20). When they see that Jesus is set on Jerusalem, they reject him outright. This is not just about hospitality; it is a rejection of his mission and identity.
What’s striking is that Jesus does not force himself upon them. He allows them to reject him. God never coerces faith. Even today, when people reject Christ, he does not respond with force but with the patience of grace.
Luke 9:54 – James and John’s Fiery Reaction
“When his disciples James and John saw it, they said, ‘Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?’”
James and John, the “Sons of Thunder” (Mark 3:17), react with righteous indignation. Their question reveals two things:
1. They misunderstand Jesus’ mission. They assume rejection of Jesus must be met with immediate judgment. Their reaction mirrors Elijah in 2 Kings 1:9-12, where fire consumed soldiers who opposed God’s prophet. But Jesus’ kingdom is not established by force.
2. They assume they have the authority to call down fire. Notice they don’t ask Jesus to do it—they ask if they should do it themselves! Their confidence is almost startling. Yet their zeal is misdirected.
This moment is crucial because it reflects a common human tendency—to respond to rejection with hostility. How often do we, like James and John, want to call down fire on those who oppose our faith? But Jesus has something much better in mind.
Luke 9:55-56 – Jesus Rebukes Their Misguided Zeal
“But he turned and rebuked them. Then they went on to another village.”
Jesus’ rebuke is sharp. Unlike Elijah, he does not call down judgment. Instead, he moves on. This is a powerful moment. Jesus demonstrates:
• Mercy over wrath. The Samaritans reject him, but he does not retaliate.
• Patience with his disciples. James and John still have much to learn.
• A kingdom of grace, not destruction. Jesus is not here to obliterate his enemies—he is here to save them.
Perhaps the most remarkable part of this story is what happens later in Acts 8:14-17. These same disciples—James and John—return to Samaria, but this time, instead of calling down fire, they call down the Holy Spirit. What a transformation! They learn that God’s answer to rejection is not judgment but grace and revival.
Luke 9:51-56 – Meaning for Today
1. Don’t Respond to Rejection with Retaliation
It is easy to lash out when we face opposition, especially when our faith is ridiculed or dismissed. But Jesus shows another way: move forward, keep going, and trust God’s timing. Retaliation is not the way of the cross.
2. Jesus Opposes Both Religious Hostility and Religious Arrogance
The Samaritans reject Jesus because of their rigid, closed-minded beliefs. But James and John respond with the same kind of religious hostility—just in the opposite direction. Jesus rejects both. He will not tolerate hostility in his name.
3. Transformation Takes Time
James and John did not instantly understand Jesus’ heart. But over time, they changed. By Acts 8, they were praying for the very people they once wanted to destroy. This gives us hope—our impatience, anger, and spiritual immaturity can be refined into something greater.
Conclusion
Luke 9:51-56 is a pivotal moment. Jesus begins his final journey to the cross, but along the way, he teaches his disciples (and us) that his kingdom is built on mercy, not destruction. The same disciples who wanted to call down fire eventually call down the Holy Spirit of blessing upon those they once despised. That is the power of the gospel—turning judgment into grace.
May we be people who, like James and John, move from a spirit of hostility to a spirit of blessing.
Frequently Asked Questions about Luke 9:51-56
Why did the Samaritans reject Jesus in Luke 9:53?
The Samaritans rejected Jesus because he was heading to Jerusalem, which they opposed religiously. Their rejection was not personal but theological—they did not accept that the Messiah would worship in Jerusalem instead of Mount Gerizim.
Why did James and John want to call down fire from heaven?
They were influenced by Elijah’s actions in 2 Kings 1:9-12, where fire consumed those who opposed God’s prophet. However, they misunderstood Jesus’ mission—he came to save, not destroy.
How did James and John’s attitude toward Samaritans change?
In Acts 8:14-17, instead of calling down fire, they call down the Holy Spirit upon the Samaritans. This transformation shows how Jesus reshapes his followers over time.
