The Journey to Jerusalem

51 When the days were coming to a close for him to be taken up,(A) he determined[a](B) to journey to Jerusalem.(C) 52 He sent messengers ahead of himself,(D) and on the way they entered a village of the Samaritans(E) to make preparations for him. 53 But they did not welcome him, because he determined to journey to Jerusalem.(F) 54 When the disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?” [b](G)

55 But he turned and rebuked them,[c] 56 and they went to another village.

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Footnotes

  1. 9:51 Lit he stiffened his face to go; Is 50:7
  2. 9:54 Other mss add as Elijah also did
  3. 9:55–56 Other mss add and said, “You don’t know what kind of spirit you belong to. 56 For the Son of Man did not come to destroy people’s lives but to save them,”

51 The time approached for Him to be taken back up to the Father; so strong with resolve, Jesus made Jerusalem His destination.

52 He sent some people ahead of Him into the territory of the Samaritans, a minority group at odds with the Jewish majority. He wanted His messengers to find a place for them to stay in a village along the road to Jerusalem. 53 But because the Samaritans realized Jesus was going to Jerusalem, they refused to welcome them.

James and John (outraged): 54 Lord, do You want us to call down fire from heaven to destroy these people who have rejected You?[a] [Just as Elijah did.][b]

Jesus (turning toward them and shaking His head): 55 You just don’t get it. [56 The Son of Man didn’t come to ruin the lives of people, but He came to liberate them.][c]

He led them on toward another village.

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Footnotes

  1. 9:54 2 Kings 1:10, 12
  2. 9:54 Most early manuscripts omit this portion.
  3. 9:56 The earliest manuscripts omit this portion.