“Be Resolute But Not Vengeful!”

“Be Resolute But Not Vengeful!”(Lk.9:51-56).
Jesus knew that Jerusalem was a place where prophets were killed. Even so, as the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, he resolutely set out for Jerusalem. It is not clear why he was resolute on going to Jerusalem because this was not his last journey.
Luke shows us the bright side of Jesus’ last days. He does not say, “as the time approached for him to die…” which would have painted a gloomy picture of Jesus’ last days. Rather, in this pericope, Luke skips that gloomy part where the Son of Man will suffer many things – including death. The time was approaching for Jesus to be taken up to heaven. Yet, it was through death that Jesus was to be taken up to heaven.
Even with this knowledge, Jesus “resolutely set out for Jerusalem” where the action was to take place.
In-between is the little story of the displeasure of a Samaritan village who refused to welcome Jesus because he was heading for Jerusalem. This was a Samaritan village that held tight to old animosities between Jews and Samaritans.
Their refusal to welcome Jesus did not irk him. Rather, their refusal shows us the ugly side of the overzealousness of the disciples James and John. They asked Jesus, “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?”
When Jesus appointed the Twelve he gave James and John, the name “sons of thunder”(Mk.3:17). We wonder whether by this name they thought they could easily bring down fire from heaven.
However, vengeance was not in the agenda of Jesus. “Jesus turned and rebuked them.” Elijah may have commuted with Jesus on the Mount of transfiguration, but Jesus did not have that vengeful spirit of Elijah who called down fire from heaven and who killed all the prophets of Baal(II Kgs.1:9-16).
Unlike Elijah, Jesus rejects revenge. Even on the cross, he prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing”(Lk.23:34). “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge…”(Lev.19:18) are strong words from the LORD, strongly repeated by Paul(Rom.12:19).
My friend, if you have a duty to fulfil, whose outcome is likely detrimental to you, do not renege on it as long as it is assigned to you by the LORD! The immediate outcome may seem calamitous to you, but in the long run, it will turn out good. Be resolute for the things of God and rebuke any spirit of revenge. Rather, pray for your enemies to live long to see how the LORD prepares a table for you in their midst!
Prayer: Holy Spirit, guide me daily to be resolute and keep any vengeful spirit away from me. Amen!
Have a blessed day! Peace be with you!
Rev Babila Fochang.
12/03/2026.