Luke 9: 51-62
Well it is Monday. This marks the second full week of our Journey with Jesus. Jesus turns his attention away from the comfort of the North and the area he grew up. Our eyewitness account today marks Jesus heading toward Jerusalem.
Jesus had sent some of his disciples ahead of him to set up his accommodations. The problem was they were not welcomed. The people I imagine were giving vague reasons for why they would not provide a place for Jesus to stay. I can imagine the disciples got a little mad. According to the text they were ready to condemn the people and wish disaster upon them. Being one of those people who have been watching from the edge of the crowd, I was wondering what Jesus was going to do? Earlier he had taught the disciples to stay where they were welcomed and where they were not welcome to shake the dust off their shoes and move on. This is easy to talk about, but harder to practice. I was happy to see Jesus put this teaching into practice. Jesus scolded them and they set off for the next village. Jesus showed us the ethic of love in this story.
What if people who follow Jesus forgot what Jesus taught about opponents?
Do you suppose the time might come when disciples would actually do harm to others in the name of Jesus?
Could there be a time when disciples confuse their own anger with the intentions of Jesus?
Other Questions for reflection and comment:
Can you understand why someone would not want to encounter Jesus?
In verses 57-62, do you think that these want a be disciples took on Jesus Challenge? Why or why not?
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