Character of John
41
Pride and Ambition Reproved
Jesus understood the motives which prompted the request, and thus
reproved the pride and ambition of the two disciples: “Ye know that
they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship
over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But so
shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you,
shall be your minister: and whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall
be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered
unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many” (
verses
42-45
).
Upon one occasion Christ sent messengers before Him unto a vil-
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lage of the Samaritans, requesting the people to prepare refreshments
for Himself and His disciples. But when the Saviour approached the
town, He appeared to be passing on toward Jerusalem. This aroused
the enmity of the Samaritans, and instead of sending messengers to in-
vite and even urge Him to tarry with them, they withheld the courtesies
which they would have given to a common wayfarer. Jesus never urges
His presence upon any, and the Samaritans lost the blessing which
would have been granted them had they solicited Him to be their guest.
We may wonder at this uncourteous treatment of the Majesty of
heaven, but how frequently are we who profess to be the followers
of Christ guilty of similar neglect. Do we urge Jesus to take up His
abode in our hearts and in our homes? He is full of love, of grace, of
blessing, and stands ready to bestow these gifts upon us; but, like the
Samaritans, we are often content without them.
The disciples were aware of the purpose of Christ to bless the
Samaritans with His presence; and when they saw the coldness, jeal-
ousy, and disrespect shown to their Master, they were filled with
surprise and indignation. James and John were especially stirred. That
He whom they so highly reverenced should be thus treated, seemed to
them a crime too great to be passed over without immediate punish-
ment. In their zeal they said, “Lord, wilt thou that we command fire
to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?”
(
Luke 9:54
), referring to the destruction of the Syrian captains and
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their companies sent out to take the prophet Elijah.
Jesus rebuked His disciples, saying, “Ye know not what manner
of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s