Samaria was a region sandwiched between Judea to the south and Galilee to the north. Perea was the eastern neighbor on the other side of the Jordan River and The Mediterranean Sea was its western shore.
The people of Samaria and the Jews had dissension since the time of King Solomon (John 4). The Jewish return from Babylon centuries later did not change the discord caused by social and religious differences. The disciples were no different than their fellow Jews.
Jesus however was different. Jesus did not exclude the Samaritans from his ministry during, as he called it, “The year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:19) As Jesus headed south from Mount Herman to Jerusalem he decided to pass through Samaria as he had done at least one time earlier. Jesus sent messengers on ahead to get things ready for him. At this time a crowd was following him (52).
The Samaritans in this village knew that the band of Jews preparing to stay in their town were going to The Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah, The Feast of Lights). The old differences of religious opinions arose mostly stemming from the fact that when Jews returned from Babylon centuries earlier excluded the Samaritans from helping in the rebuilding of the Temple. They did not welcome Jesus.
The Apostles James and John were fiery fellows. They asked Jesus if they could use their God-given power “to call fire down from heaven to destroy them.” (54) Elijah, the ancient prophet who lived in this area had done this (2 Kings 1:9-16). Luke records that Jesus rebuked them. This is probably how these two disciples were given the name “Sons of Thunder” (Mark 3:17).
I learn two things. First, to use God’s given gifts as he intends them to be used, not for personal vendettas. Second, to be open-hearted and help those working in God’s mission field even if they are one of “me”.
