The disciples had been rebuked for their faithlessness (Luke 9:41), their competitive pride (Luke 9:46-48) and for wanting to exclude another believer from ministry (Luke 9:49-50).  Today's passage reveals the fourth rebuke.  The cross is now clearly in Jesus' mind with its wonderful salvation to all who believe, but the Twelve wanted to send judgement to a Samaritan village which had no interest in welcoming them.

Jesus rebuked them.  They did not understand that the work of Christ on the cross was not to judge the rebellious but to save them, and to give opportunity for sinners to respond to God's grace.  Somehow, they thought that a power encounter would scare the other Samaritan villages into submission.  It was not Jesus' way.  He simply moved on and entered another village, displaying the love and power of God to heal, deliver and enlighten dark hearts.

The cross was the task to be accomplished but it was not the goal for Jesus.  Heavenly reunification with Father God was the Saviour’s focus point (John 17:5; Hebrews 12:2).  He saw beyond the mess of this world to the glories to come, into which all true believers will be caught up one day (John 17:24).  In the interim, the gospel would be preached, sinners would be saved and learn to follow Jesus.  There would be much work done in rebellious hearts so that they might receive His loving grace and eagerly await Christ’s return (Titus 2:11-14).

Today's disciples, the believers in Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord, risk falling into one of two errors.  One is like the disciples: they see the church as a hammer to crack the nuts of immorality and false doctrine.  They exhibit a harshness that Jesus never displayed towards those who seek His mercy.  The other error is to have little fear of the coming judgement and to live life selfishly with no urgency to communicate the gospel and urge others to receive Christ before it is too late.  The wise Christian will both revel in the grace and mercy of Christ's salvation and also be in awe of His second coming in judgement.  Such a spiritual outlook will spur their devotion and worship, excite them to press forwards in discipleship and urge them with the priority of making the gospel known among their family, friends and colleagues.