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)
Jesus was completing his mission. The days were fulfilled and so he decided journey towards Jerusalem. The journey had to reach Jerusalem for the final run. He also sent messengers ahead to prepare his way. So Jesus is sure of his journey and the goal of journey is clear and visible and the preparation for the journey is also done. There is no turning back.
They had to journey through Samaritan village. Samaritans would have welcomed them, probably, if his journey was not turned towards Jerusalem. Samaritans did not accept the worship of God in Jerusalem. The enmity was also shown in religion and in worship. Jesus also was opposed by the Samaritans because of his link with Jerusalem.
The disciples particularly James and John wanted to bring fire from heaven to destroy them because they were opposed to Jesus’ journey. Jesus answer to the disciples and his action in this situation is quite interesting. Since Jesus was set for his journey to Jerusalem there should not be any delay and there was no reason to patch up or solve the problem on the way. That would only delay the arrival.
