Luke 9:51-56 - Build or destroy

Scripture:

 

Luke 9:51-56

51 When the days were approaching for His ascension, He was determined to go to Jerusalem;

52 and He sent messengers on ahead of Him, and they went and entered a village of the Samaritans to make arrangements for Him.

53 But they did not receive Him, because He was traveling toward Jerusalem.

 

54 When His disciples James and John saw this, they said, "Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?"

55 But He turned and rebuked them, [and said, "You do not know what kind of spirit you are of;

56 for the Son of Man did not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them."] And they went on to another village.

NASU

 

 

Thoughts:

 

Verses 55 and 56 contain a quote from Jesus that is not in all of the ancient manuscripts.  Even without this quote, however, the Lord's rebuke of the disciples is clear.  They wanted to destroy those who did not receive Him (verses 53-54), but this was not Jesus' mission or desire.

 

We can easily find ourselves with this same attitude displayed by the disciples.  We may not wish to harm someone physically, but we find other more acceptable ways of hurting those who don't behave as we want.  Maybe it's emotional or relational damage.  Maybe we silently exclude them from things we know they would want to be a part of and are entitled to.  Maybe we insult them with our cleverly crafted words.  We may even lie to ourselves and convince ourselves that hurtful words we've said were true and so how could they be wrong to say?  Knowing all along that our intent was to destroy or to damage, not to help.

 

But this vengeful attitude should not be amongst God's people!  The fruit of our lives as Christians and particularly our ministry, should not be "destroying" people, but building them up.  There is to be such a difference in our behavior and speech, that people are drawn to us (really, drawn to Christ).  We are to be salt in a rotting and distasteful world.

 

Matthew 5:13-16

13 "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.

14 "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden;

15 nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.

16 "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
NASU

 

 

Prayer:

 

Lord, let me remember that my mission is to lead people to You, and to build up those that know You, not to destroy.  Forgive me for selfishness that can lead to vengefulness. 

 

Instead, let the fruit of my life and ministry be good and pleasing to You.  May I be salt and light, today. 

 

Amen

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB.