Rejection
Pray
Begin with prayer, opening your heart to God’s Word and Spirit.
Read Luke 9:51-55
51 As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. 52 And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him; 53 but the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem. 54 When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?” 55 But Jesus turned and rebuked them.
Reflect
Jesus was now resolutely headed for Jerusalem, and on the way, he chose a Samaritan village to visit. Samaritans are a mixed race, and there was bitter enmity between them and the Jews. Jesus sent messengers ahead to prepare for his arrival, but his visit was not welcome. The Samaritans denied Jesus hospitality even though it was an engrained part of their culture. The open rejection of Jesus had begun and those journeying with him needed to prepare themselves for the same. The disciples’ vengeful response was far from that of Jesus, and He rebuked them for it.
Closing prayer
Father, forgive us when we focus on the wrongdoing of others and how they should be punished. Help us to be more like Jesus and fill us with your unconditional love. Amen.