Henry Blackaby tells this biblical story succinctly and pointedly:
James and John were called the “Sons of Thunder.” When they discovered a Samaritan village that would not receive Jesus, they were fully prepared to call down fire to consume the entire community! Perhaps they felt that through such a show of power, their gospel message might be enhanced. The two brothers were willing to sacrifice the lives of the villagers in order to further the cause of the gospel. Jesus rebuked them. Luke 9:51-56
Quite an interesting story, but it leaves some questions and it can be much better understood with some historical and social history insights:
- The first part of this scripture story adds that Jesus knew it was closer to his time to be taken up into heaven so he “resolutely set out for Jerusalem.” It is helpful for us to know that Samaria was a region that lay directly in his path from Galilee (where he was) to Jerusalem (the place he wanted to go) to observe the Feast of Tabernacles.
- Also helpful to know is that the Samaritans were particularly hostile to Jews who were on their way to observe religious festivals in Jerusalem (a 3-day journey from Galilee). It was not unusual for Samaritans to refuse overnight shelter for these pilgrims.
- To the Jews, Samaritans were half-breeds who defied the true religion. Historically, there was a long-lasting hatred between Jews and Samaritans.
- Why were James and John called the Sons of Thunder? There is no stated explanation in scripture but we must remember Jesus “knew what was in a man” and he knew the brothers’ nature when He first met them and chose this nickname for them. The Samaritan story above may be an illustration that helps explain that nickname.
- But the big point is the later “history” after this incident, and after Jesus’ resurrection – recounted in Acts 8 starting at verse 9: Philip was in Samaria preaching the good news and doing miraculous healings and baptizing so many that the apostles in Jerusalem “heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God” – amazing! Even more interesting is the notation that “they sent Peter and John to them” to assist. Ponder that! The very “Sons of Thunder” who were ready to call down fire to consume them.
- Another piece that may help explain things is the Old Testament story of the prophet Elijah (2 Kings 1:9-16) who pronounced to Ahaziah, king of Israel, his pending death, primarily due to the king’s worship of pagan gods. After the prophet Elijah left him, the king sent a captain with 50 men to tell Elijah the king commanded him to come back (evidently in order to force Elijah to reverse his ‘curse’ or pronouncement or face being killed if he did not). But Elijah called down fire from heaven which consumed the captain and all the men – it happened twice. His words were “If I am a man of God, may fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty men”. Then the third captain and 50 men used a more humble request and the Lord told Elijah to then go with them. The king ended up dying after Elijah affirmed in his final pronouncement the chastisement of the pagan worship by the king. Here’s the thought: were the “Sons of Thunder”, James and John, in Samaria thinking of themselves as being in Elijah’s situation? Does this story help a little more in understanding why they responded as they did?
- Jesus’ rebuke of them in Samaria just emphasizes the contrast between man’s thinking and God’s! As Blackaby pointed out – man’s thinking would have resulted in the destruction of an entire village. God’s plan brought salvation to it.
My point? We need social history, context, and helpful details about the situation to get the full picture. That is also true in genealogy. These made the incident in Samaria with Jesus much more understandable and rich in meaning and lesson. – hold on to that thought!
Meanwhile, what does the Bible have to say about the importance of writing things down – not only the original story recited above but the history and details and social context surrounding it?
In fact the entirety of Scripture is a testament to the value of the written word. God intends for His people to diligently record His words and works.
I loved this quote from Christian Website “According to the Bible, writing things down is vital for remembering, learning, and passing on God’s truth to future generations.” Samples follow.
2 Peter 1:16-21 For we did not follow cleverly devised myths…but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For when he received honor and glory from God….we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain…. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
Exodus 17:14 Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Write this on a scroll as something to be remembered and make sure that Joshua hears it…’
Deuteronomy 6:9 Write them [the commandments] on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.
Habakkuk 2:2 Then the Lord replied: ‘Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it.’
Isaiah 30:8 Go now, write it on a tablet for them; inscribe it on a scroll that for the days to come it may be an everlasting sign.
Jeremiah 30:2 This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: ‘Write in a book all the words I have spoken to you.’
And now, my very favorite verse for our life story work:
Psalm 102:18 Let this be written for a future generation, that a people not yet created may praise the Lord.
Yes, the biblical stories and words and guidance are our Basic Instructions for living on this earth. I tried to illustrate my point here by telling the Biblical story of James and John in Samaria trying to find a place for Jesus to stay overnight as they were traveling to Jerusalem – but getting rejected – and going ballistic. By adding the social context, the historical facts that played into it, what the Sons of Thunder might have been thinking, and the lessons to be learned by reviewing the later events that brought unexpected and God-honoring results – you got a much fuller understanding of what it was like to live in their time period and their circumstances.
OK, don’t give me some excuse like your life is not as exciting as James’ and John’s, so you don’t need to write down your life story. I would point you to Psalm 102:18 – you are writing for a future generation, one that does not know what it is like to have been raised on a farm with no telephone until you were an adult – and it was a phone with a cord that hooked into the wall attached phone and was a party line! Those details help the “future generation” know the context and situations you faced in your life through childhood, growing years, parenting years, etc.
And don’t forget your purpose – “that a people not yet created may praise the Lord”. You do not know what part of your story will be life-giving, encouraging, inspiring or just what your descendant needs to hear. So I encourage you to tell the things you would like to know from your ancestors. Tell things you learned or wish you had, what you experienced that was impactful. Ok, even if you just determine to write your ‘faith story’, that is my number one request. How did you come to know about Jesus? What was your experience around that and afterwards? How did that change over the years – and what was happening that made it change?
Don’t forget the social context – add what was going on in your life at the time — the who, what and why of it all. And yes, up to the present moment – what would you want to say to your great-great grandchildren as they go through remarkably different days and times from yours? What would you tell them about your relationship with the Lord?
Want a bit of a push? Consider Psalm 102:3 “For my days vanish like smoke” – yes, our time is quickly disappearing. Pull out paper and pen, or your tablet or your laptop – just start writing whatever comes to you. You can edit and refine later – but start NOW! (Please)
