HONEST OPPONENTS VERSUS HALF-HEARTED FRIENDS

BIBLE TEXT:  Luke 9: 51 - 62

The text above narrates the Samaritan's opposition to Jesus. Verse 52 - 53 tells us that Jesus sent messengers on ahead who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him but the people there did not welcome him. This is quite puzzling. Why would anyone in their right senses reject a miracle worker like Jesus. Moreover, these men must have heard about Jesus from the witness of the woman at the well (John 4). It's obvious that this rejection is premeditated. The Samaritans hate the Jews so much that it is difficult to accept something even  beneficial from them. Although they knew that Jesus was the Christ yet, they won't do him the honour of allowing him passage through their land.

The Samaritans did not pretend to like Jesus. They told him up front that they will have nothing to do with him.  However, the point for us to note is that Jesus wasn't deterred by this opposition at all.   Having set his face towards Jerusalem to fulfil his divine mandate (even though the very heavens seems to be working against him) onward he went. More so, He had no ill feelings towards them. Rather, He rebuked the disciples for their wrong suggestions. Living according to the spirit (as against the flesh) is obviously possible.

Following closely are the three conversations with those who have interest in following Jesus. Each of the responses Jesus gave is clearly suggesting that anyone who is ready for discipleship must have the mind for singleness of purpose. One who must come to Christ must come with the two hands empty. He doesn't want us holding onto anything else outside  him. Yet, he is not promising an easy life. He answered the first man, " foxes have holes and birds nests but the son of man has nowhere to lay down his head". So are you ready to follow this kind of person who gives you no promise of anything physically tangible?

So what? We're either with Jesus or against him. No middle ground and no sitting on the fence. The Samaritans were decisive in their choice. They strongly opposed his ministry and won't give him even a cup of water. Likewise, if you want to be friends with Jesus, it must be total and complete. You're either a committed friend or a foe. 

PRAYER: Father, for the love for humanity which you placed in Jesus' heart, he set his face to Jerusalem towards his passion and death. He drank the cup you appointed him down to the dregs. Grant that we to whom the ministry of his death and  resurrection has brought healing, deliverance and salvation may by the remembrance of his passion give our all to His cause without looking back. This we ask in His glorious name. Amen