When the days for Jesus to be taken up were fulfilled,
he resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem
Jesus knew what awaited him. He knew that he was the to be the suffering servant, the one who said in Isaiah, "I have set my face like a flint" and explained why he was resolute, saying, "I know that I shall not be put to shame" (see Isaiah 50:7). He knew that suffering and death awaited him. But more importantly he knew that these would lead in turn inexorably to his rising and then to his being "taken up", in language evocative of how Elijah was taken up into heaven (see Second Kings 2:9-11). This attitude was summarized by the author of Hebrews who instructed his readers to look "to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God" (see Hebrews 12:2).
Jesus knew not to expect that the rest of his journey would to be entirely smooth sailing, or without difficulties, opposition, and challenges. Because he knew this he was not overly upset when the Samaritan village refused to welcome him. The disciples were upset because they knew to some degree the greatness of the one whose coming to the Samaritan's rejected. But their response was still determined by merely human perceptions, the felt need to maintain status in the eyes of the world. It was as though they were asking Jesus if he ought not to demonstrate to the Samaritans how he was like Elijah, who had himself called down fire on his enemies. (see Second Kings 1:9-10). But they failed to recognize that their enemies were not flesh and blood.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places (see Ephesians 6:12).
The Kingdom Jesus came to establish was not a Kingdom of this world. If it had been he could have called down fire, dispatched armies of angels to conquer his enemies, and subjugated all who opposed him. But the real problem was deeper than anything that could be addressed by a mere show of force. The real problem was caused by sin. It was ultimately sin that underlied the divisions that had arisen between peoples and nations. By healing the root of the problem rather than merely addressing symptoms Jesus created the conditions where Samaritans and Jews could be reunited as one people, and even Gentiles could have full access to the presence of God.
Many peoples and strong nations shall come
to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem
and to implore the favor of the LORD.
How is our attitude when we face difficulty or encounter rejection? Are we ready to call down fire like James and John? Hopefully we are instead patient like Jesus was patient. This is possible when we take a longer view and are more secure in our hope. Then we can shake off the dust of rejection just as Jesus had tried to teach and now himself demonstrated.
Jesus turned and rebuked them,
and they journeyed to another village.
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