Overcoming National Pride
“And when his disciples James and John saw [the Samaritans’ rejection], they said, ‘Lord, do you want us to tell fire to come down from heaven and consume them?’ But he turned and rebuked them.” Luke 9.52-56
When the Samaritans reject Jesus because He’s headed to Jerusalem, James and John react with fiery indignation, wanting to call down divine judgment. Their response reveals a deep-seated national pride, rooted in the historic enmity between Jews and Samaritans. They see themselves as defenders of their identity, but Jesus rebukes them sharply. His kingdom is not built on tribal loyalties or vengeance but on forgiveness and love for all, even those who reject Him. This encounter challenges us to confront our own tendencies to elevate earthly identities—national, cultural, or political—above Christ’s call. We might be tempted to align Jesus with our agendas, viewing Him as a champion of “our side” against “those people.” Yet Jesus died for all, shedding His blood to reconcile friend and foe alike. As baptized disciples, our primary citizenship is in His kingdom, where we are called to love our enemies and proclaim His grace. This is not easy, especially in a divided world, but Jesus’ rebuke to His disciples reminds us that His way is one of mercy, not judgment. Let us pray for humility to let go of pride and for courage to share Christ’s love with everyone, reflecting the unity of His cross.
Prayer: Gracious Savior, forgive me when I let pride in my identity overshadow Your call to love. Teach me to see others as You do, and to proclaim Your forgiveness to all, friend and foe alike. Amen.
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