Sally A. Brown, Professor Emerita, Princeton Theological Seminary
Today’s reading, Luke 9:51-62, begins the long section of Luke’s gospel known as Jesus’ “Jerusalem journey” (9:51-19:27). His face is now “set firmly” toward Jerusalem (v 51) where he is destined to fulfill his mission, at the cost of his life. The route is, in fact, geographically circuitous; its function is to reveal the scope of the saving purposes of God that Jesus will fulfill. Significantly, Jesus chooses to travel directly through Samaria—a region so hostile to Jerusalem-bound Jews that most went miles out of their way to avoid Samaritan territory.
Samaria lives up to its reputation. When Jesus’ disciples enter a Samaritan border town to arrange for meals and accommodation for Jesus’ retinue, “no vacancy” signs appear. Doors slam shut against Jesus’ emissaries. James and John, who may be aware that Jesus has cited moments in the careers of Elijah and Elisha as precedents for his own mission (Luke 4:25-27), are eager to emulate Elijah, who called down heavenly fire to incinerate his enemies (2 Kings 1:9-18). While Jesus indeed emulates those prophets by entering non-Jewish territory, he flatly refuses to replicate their violence (cf 2 Kings 2:23-24, regarding Elisha). Jesus’ rebuke rings with alarming relevance today. Self-proclaimed zealots for “Christian” values do not hesitate to use threat and violence to force compliance with their vision of righteous living.
The second, longer scene of today’s text presents Jesus’ interaction with three potential followers. The first, a volunteer, is eager to join the loyal crowd. Perhaps he anticipates a triumphant march towards military victory in Jerusalem. Whatever his illusions, Jesus shatters any fantasies of glory. The Son of Man has no home; entering Samaria, he has already been denied a place “to lay his head.” Jesus calls the second and third candidates to come and follow; but both explain that they must attend first to family matters. The burial of a parent was a sacred obligation. Furthermore, there is OT precedent for taking formal leave from one’s family before undertaking divine work: after calling Elisha, Elijah permitted him to do just that. But the urgent mission of Jesus overrides these customary ceremonies. Let those who do not recognize this unrepeatable moment in God’s world-transforming, life-saving mission linger to bury the dead. No time for fond goodbyes. The world is about to turn.
The Spirit works redemption, still, in this world. We who own Jesus’ name are being summoned daily. Let neither our earthly loyalties, nor even our religious ceremonies, delay us when the Spirit summons us: “Come, walk Jesus’ path! By your words, by your actions, by your courage, and by your love—enact and proclaim, here and now, God’s life-giving reign!”
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