#59 Luke 9:51-56 Call Fire Down From Heaven to Destroy Them

On February 20, 2022 by Amy Burgin

Joy:
Episode #59 Luke 9:51-56

Welcome

Amy:
Welcome to The Christgazing Podcast. We are so glad you’re here. I’m Amy Burgin.

Joy:
I’m Joy Burgin

Amy:
Christgazing is the act of looking steadily and intently at Christ, and we believe there is nothing more beautiful to gaze upon than him. We believe his love for you is deep, high, long, and wide. We believe he aches for you to know his love, and he speaks personally to those who seek him. We believe his words are the best words to hear and to know, which is why we offer this podcast.

Each week, Joy reads a passage from the Bible several times and creates stillness after each reading so that we might be still ourselves and know God more.

We are in a series that takes us through the book of Luke.

Pour Out Your Heart to God

Amy:
Before Joy reads today’s passage, take a few moments to give God the things that are on your mind. Maybe it’s anger, frustration, grief, hope, love, gratitude, or a mix of all of these things and more. Whatever is on your mind, name it and bring it to the Lord in this next minute.

What Does This Passage Say About God?

Joy:
As I read the passage for the first time, consider the question, What does this passage say about God?

Luke 9:51-56 As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him; but the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem. When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?” But Jesus turned and rebuked them. Then he and his disciples went to another village. Again?

Take the next few moments to answer the question, what does this passage tell you about God?

[Pause and know]

What Does This Passage Say About People?

Joy:
As I reread the passage, consider the question: What does this passage tell you about people?

Take the next few moments to answer the question, what does this passage tell you about people?

[Pause and know]

Lord, What Would You Have Me Know Or Do Today?

Joy:
As I read for the last time, ask God the question, “Lord, what would you have me know or do today in response to this passage?”

Take the next minute to ask God the question, “Lord, what would you have me know or do today in response to this passage?”

[Pause and listen]

Blessing

Joy:
Christgazer, the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. And may you keep your face turned toward Jesus today and run all your thoughts and ideas by him.

One Response

Amy:
You know, at the beginning of this chapter, Jesus sent his twelve disciples, including James and John, out to various villages to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. He told them how to respond if a village does not welcome them in verse 5, “If people do not welcome you,” he said, “leave their town and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.” He certainly did not say, “call fire down from heaven to destroy them.” That is not what Jesus wanted.

In this chapter, Jesus repeatedly tells his disciples he is headed to Jerusalem, where he is about to die and be raised from the dead. In verse 22, Jesus is very clear when he says he must be “be killed and on the third day be raised to life.” In verse 31, Peter, James, and John are up on the mountain with Jesus, Moses, and Elijah in all their heavenly glory, discussing Jesus’ upcoming exodus from this world. And in verse 44, when everyone is marveling about Jesus’ healing power, Jesus is telling his disciples again that he won’t be with them much longer.

It does not seem his disciples are listening to his words. James and John may have been a little puffed up by all they had experienced recently – healing the sick, feeding the 5,000, their mountaintop experience with the glory of God. Rather than asking questions to understand what Jesus is telling them, they find themselves compelled by arrogance and power rather than love and sacrifice.

But here is Jesus in today’s passage, resolved and determined to travel to Jerusalem to hand over his life as a substitute so the sinner might not be destroyed by fire. And one day, James and John will really understand.

Closing

Amy: Joy and I will be back next week to go Christgazing together. Until then, don’t forget, when you put your trust in Christ, you are one in whom he dwells and delights, a dearly loved child of God. You are royalty in his strong and unshakeable kingdom. Though trouble abounds, Christ prevails, and so do you.