Breaking the Word

When the days for his being 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. (Lk 9:51-56)

Jews in Galilee made a journey to Jerusalem: a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. This would take three to four days of walk. As they walk along, the Jews would narrate the great pilgrimage: exodus. As they walk along they would also tell other biblical stories: stories about kings and prophets and the dealings of God with the people.

Luke the Evangelist wants to tell us that Jesus is making his journey.  This Journey is to end in Jerusalem (the Promised Land for Jesus) where Jesus would fulfil his ‘exodus’.  Jerusalem is his goal. Travelling in obedience to God’s plan is the pilgrimage for Luke. And this is true for every follower (Christian) of Jesus.

When they meet with opposition, James and John want to call fire from heaven. They would be right and in the same position like prophet Elijah (  2Kg 1:10-12). But this is not the way of Jesus. Jesus’ entry is not a triumphant one clearing all resistance and opposition. Jesus’ journey is a journey of the kingdom with the message of Love.    

An argument arose among the disciples about which of them was the greatest. Jesus realized the intention of their hearts and took a child and placed it by his side and said to them, "Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. For the one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest." Then John said in reply, "Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow in our company." Jesus said to him, "Do not prevent him, for whoever is not against you is for you." (Lk 9:46-50)

Does Jesus mean that child friendly people are God friendly people? He says that receiving a child is receiving Jesus and that in turn mean receiving God. Children depend on elders. Children do not argue. They only have needs and wants. Does Jesus identify himself with a child? For he says: ‘whoever receives a child receives me’.

‘Least among you is the greatest’. Any institution or organization or structure works on the principles of ‘greatest’, ‘least’. It is very obvious that Jesus was not bothered about institution/organization/structure. He was interested in people/person. Every person is important and there is no distinction among persons. Each person has his own worth and value. That is why Jesus equated ‘greatest’ with ‘least’.

‘Doing good’ should not be prevented on any account. Jesus tells his disciples not to distinguish/differentiate people on any criteria (even as followers and non-followers and much less as groups, castes, sects, religions, classes etc.). If a person does good or removes evil (casting out demon) then he should be encouraged to carry on be he whatever or whoever.