Daily Devotional for Friday, February 13

Jesus Rebuked James and John

“But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.”Luke 9:55, 56.

There have been occasions when my students repeated words or phrases that they had heard on television or the internet not knowing what they are actually saying. Sometimes it may be cute if a small child uses sophisticated phrasing or figurative language. More often than not, though, they use completely inappropriate phrases or innuendos that require a reprimand. In those instances, the intention most likely was innocent as they were trying out new words. What they thought was funny had completely different implications. This situation with the sons of thunder feels the same.

The suggestion in verse 54 by James and John feels more like a decision Peter would have made with his often-rash reactions. As I read through chapter 9, it feels like the disciples struggled to balance gentleness and humility with the invincible power of Christ. They knew that Jesus could absolutely rain fire from Heaven and destroy them all, but the part they did not quite understand was that people had a choice to reject Jesus. In fact, when Jesus sent them out at the beginning of the chapter, He told them to shake the dust off their sandals as they simply left those who rejected their message. They did not fully understand what their suggestion of destroying the Samaritans was implying. Ultimately, God wants everyone to come to repentance and be saved. Tragically, there will always be those who reject Him. Jesus’ response in verse 56 reiterated the longing for all to be saved and that none should be destroyed.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Demonstrate the compassion of Christ.

Ashley Ridings