Have you ever endeared yourself in a project in which you invested time, effort, and material resources? When the project is almost in full swing, a snag suddenly breaks out.

The project is derailed so one gets intensely disappointed or may even experience a heartbreak. There is a big difference in Jesus’ final project or plan. It is not solely his own plan but something that he shares with his heavenly Father.

Jesus is in the cusp of fulfilling the Father’s will in Jerusalem when he sends an advance party to clear the way for his passage. He knows that the Samaritan town is normally hostile toward the Jews, but Jesus nonetheless takes the risk of reaching out to Samaritans who are considered half-Jews and sinners.

His apostles James and John prove true to their moniker “sons of thunder” when their group are refused passage by the Samaritans: they suggest to Jesus to rain down fire and brimstone on the unhospitable Samaritan town. They want to retaliate with violence against the Samaritans.

Jesus is not crushed in spirit; rather, he takes this occasion to teach his apostles the valuable lesson on selfless shepherding, to serve the needs of all by being the least one of all. The apostles are struggling with their ego and proud concerns, while Jesus their Master is always prepared to overlook every slight or rejection done toward his person.

When the days for Jesus to be taken up were fulfilled, he resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem, and he sent messengers ahead of him.

On the way they entered a Samaritan village to prepare for his reception there, but they would not welcome him because the destination of his journey was Jerusalem.

When the disciples James and John saw this they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?” Jesus turned and rebuked them, and they journeyed to another village.