“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[b]?” 55 But Jesus turned and rebuked them. 56 Then he and his disciples went to another village.” Luke 9.51-55
The Bible is full of humor. In this chapter alone, we see the disciples arguing about who is the greatest, Peter suggesting they set up camp for Elijah and Moses, and now the disciples threatening to call down fire from heaven on a Samaritan village. (Like they had the power or authority to do that?!)
What is up with these Jesus followers? They are so full of themselves! Calling down fire from heaven, really? How exactly were they planning on doing that? Was Elijah their inspiration? Did they believe that now that they were hanging with the God-man Jesus, they had the same authority?
Jesus’ heart and mind were set on arriving in Jerusalem so He could fulfill His mission of sacrifice, death, and resurrection. His heart was on Heaven—the disciples’ focus was on who to burn for not offering hospitality to their little party.
Isn’t it intriguing—God’s mindset versus ours? We focus on daily desires, needs, and wants. We think about the weather, what to wear, who likes us (or who we like). We pour so much energy into school, work, or retirement. But Jesus was—and is—always thinking about eternity. It’s not that we should ignore worldly concerns, but we must not let them come at the expense of eternity.
When Jesus was focused on the cross, the disciples were focused on whom to curse. Jesus was focused on forgiveness; they were focused on fury. This is the difference between the mortal and the divine, the holy and the human. When our eyes are fixed on hatred, the Lord sees only love.
Our eternal destination matters most. Where will we go when we die? How will we live this very hour? Will our eyes remain on Christ, or on our own ultimate, pitiful crisis of living?
“O Lord, forgiveness is so hard! Being human is such a challenge. Being trapped in these bodies made of flesh sometimes feels like a prison. But You, Lord Jesus, have set us free from sin and death. You have raised us to new life and given us a new birth when we trust in You. Come now, Holy Spirit—fill us with Your power and love. Help me be more like You in every area of living. For You are good, and Your love endures forever. Amen.”