THEY NOT LIKE US

Luke 9:51-56

Luke 9:51–56 NASB 2020

When the days were approaching for His ascension, He was determined to go to Jerusalem; and He sent messengers on ahead of Him, and they went and entered a village of the Samaritans to make arrangements for Him. And they did not receive Him, because He was traveling toward Jerusalem. When His disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” But He turned and rebuked them.And they went on to another village.

Introduction

The song ”Not Like Us" by Kendrick Lamar is a diss track aimed a rapper named Drake, accusing him of being Fake among other things. It has been a major success on the music charts! The track debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has held the top spot for multiple weeks. It also set a new record for the most weeks at No2. on the Billboard Hot Rap Songs chart, surpassing the previous record held by Lil Nas X's "Old Town Road".

The song has also performed well on other charts, topping the Streaming Songs chart and the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. It's been a strong contender in various award categories, including the Grammys.

While it is not my intention to do a deep dive into the intricacies of the song, I do want to highlight the title and explore its implications based on the biblical text before us today.

“They not like us” usually means that the people being referred to are different in some significant way. This difference could be in terms of culture, behavior, values, or other characteristics. It is often used to highlight a sense of otherness or a divide between groups. In some contexts it can also suggest a level of misunderstanding, prejudice, or exclusivity.

Context of the Text

Luke 9, provides several instances that illustrate God’s love for people who are different from us, emphasizing the inclusive nature of His love.

Sending out the Twelve (Luke 9:1-6): Jesus sends his disciples out to preach the kingdom of God and heal the sick. They are instructed to take nothing for their journey, which encourages reliance on the hospitality of others, regardless of their differences. It’s a call to engage with and depend on people who may not share their background or beliefs.

Feeding the Five Thousand (Luke 9:10-17): Jesus performs the miracle of feeding a multitude with five loaves and two fish. This act of compassion is not limited to a specific group but extends to everyone present, highlighting the inclusiveness of God’s provision and love.

The Transfiguration (Luke 9:28-36): During the Transfiguration, Jesus is seen speaking with Moses and Elijah, figures representing the Law and the Prophets. This event signifies the fulfillment of both the Law and the Prophets in Jesus, bridging the gap between different eras and traditions, again underlining the universal reach of God’s love.

Jesus Rebukes the Disciples (Luke 9:46-50): When the disciples argue about who among them is the greatest, Jesus places a child beside him and says that whoever welcomes this child in his name welcomes him. It’s a powerful statement about humility and accepting those who are different or seemingly insignificant in society.

The Samaritan Village (Luke 9:51-56): Jesus decides to pass through a Samaritan village even though Jews and Samaritans had deep-seated animosities. When the Samaritans do not receive him, James and John suggest calling down fire from heaven to destroy them, but Jesus rebukes them. This underscores his rejection of vengeance and his commitment to loving those who are not like us, even in the face of rejection.

A. Handling Rejection (v. 5)

1. Rejection and Moving On (Luke 9:5): In Luke 9:5, Jesus instructs His disciples on how to handle rejection: "And wherever they do not receive you, when you leave that town shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them." Here, Jesus prepares His followers for the reality that not everyone will welcome them. The message is clear: rejection is part of the journey, but it should not deter us from our mission. We are to move forward without harboring resentment.

Jesus’ teaching on shaking the dust off our feet reminds us that rejection should not anchor us in bitterness or anger. It’s a call to perseverance and to keep our eyes on the mission ahead, rather than on the closed doors behind.

B. Embracing Inclusivity (v. 49)

2. Inclusivity Over Exclusivity (Luke 9:49): In Luke 9:49, we see John telling Jesus about someone driving out demons in His name, and their attempt to stop him because he was not part of their group. Jesus replies, "Do not stop him, for whoever is not against you is for you." This challenges the disciples’ narrow view of belonging and calls for a broader, more inclusive understanding of who can be part of Jesus’ work.

Jesus’ response to John’s concern about outsiders casting out demons in His name underscores the importance of inclusivity. We must recognize that God’s work transcends our human-made boundaries and divisions. Just because someone isn't part of "our group" doesn't mean they are not part of God's plan.

C. Choosing Mercy Over Judgment (v. 51-56)

3. Responding to Rejection with Mercy (Luke 9:51-56): In Luke 9:51-56, Jesus faces rejection from a Samaritan village. James and John, eager to defend their teacher, suggest calling down fire from heaven to destroy the village. Jesus rebukes them, emphasizing mercy over judgment. This passage speaks volumes about how we should respond to those who reject or differ from us.

The disciples' instinct to respond to rejection with violence is met with Jesus’ rebuke. This is a powerful lesson in choosing mercy over judgment. When we encounter "others" who are different or who reject us, our response should reflect Jesus’ example of patience and grace.

Conclusion:

As we reflect on these passages, let us challenge ourselves to move beyond the mindset of "they not like us." Embrace those who may be different, extend mercy where there is rejection, and always keep our focus on the mission God has entrusted to us. We are called to be ambassadors of Christ’s love, breaking down barriers and building bridges.

Closing Prayer

Lord, help us to live out these truths in our daily lives. Give us the grace to handle rejection with peace, to welcome others with open hearts, and to respond with mercy rather than judgment. May we reflect Your love in all we do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Go forth, knowing that in Christ, there are no outsiders, only fellow children of God. faith, and the revelation of Jesus's mission.