Read Luke 9:46–56 In this passage Jesus rebukes his disciples twice. The first he corrects how they see position in his kingdom
God in the making of the new covenant made a new kingdom and in this new kingdom he does things differently than in the Old Testament. Jesus first calls his disciples to humble themselves and welcome the little child and when they do this they will be elevated by the Lord.
When we apply this today what Jesus is saying is that we are to humble ourselves and reach out and serve to the little children whom today are those with no or little social status or power in our community with radical hospitality and allow God to elevate us as we do so. Radical hospitality looks like providing the very best for someone, caring for them over and above what would normally be done, and asking them to stay in your space and be blessed by you. How we would welcome Jesus into our house is how Jesus calls us to welcome the little children of today.
This week prayerfully consider what are some things that you can personally do to show radical hospitality, radical care and compassion? Who are individuals who are like little children that you know? Jesus instructs us to welcome them, to care for them with radical hospitality.
In the next part of the passage instead of destroying those who oppose God Jesus rebukes his disciples, who wanted to smite the Samaritans. Jesus later in Luke 19:10 says “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
Jesus does not come to kill those who do not believe in him, he came to seek and to save them. Jesus by coming to this world gives an opportunity for all to come to have a saving faith in him. Jesus by sparing the Samaritan village and rebuking his disciples may have given these Samaritans an opportunity to be saved, at the very least be given an opportunity to hear the gospel. Jesus shows mercy and compassion towards his enemies and instructs his disciples to act this way as well. Jesus calls his disciples and he calls us to love our enemies, to teach them the gospel and to continue to love them even if they don’t accept it right away.
Today there are many who follow Jesus but they, like the disciples, hold deep disdain towards individuals who they think are their enemies. What about you? This morning is there any hatred in your heart towards those who don’t follow God like you do? Are there people who you believe deserve to die because of their beliefs? If you think this is true then I believe Jesus would rebuke you just like he rebuked James and John. Take time to examine your heart and see if there is any hatred in your heart. If there is any hatred, repent and allow yourself to think about how to minister to the lost who stand against the faith with love and compassion and begin to pray that God will change their hearts and minds to begin to follow him as you show radical hospitality to all the little children of today. Have a blessed week.
