Luke 9:53

KJV

And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} they did {G1209} not {G3756} receive {G1209} him {G846}, because {G3754} his {G846} face {G4383} was {G2258} as though he would go {G4198} to {G1519} Jerusalem {G2419}.

Complete Jewish Bible

However, the people there would not let him stay, because his destination was Yerushalayim.

Berean Standard Bible

But the people there refused to welcome Him, because He was heading for Jerusalem.

American Standard Version

And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he were going to Jerusalem.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 9:53 captures a pivotal moment in Jesus' resolute journey towards Jerusalem, illustrating the deep-seated animosity between Jews and Samaritans. As Jesus and His disciples sought passage and lodging through a Samaritan village, they were met with outright rejection. This refusal was not arbitrary but stemmed from the Samaritans' recognition of Jesus' unwavering intention to proceed to Jerusalem, a city symbolic of Jewish worship and identity, which conflicted with their own religious convictions centered on Mount Gerizim. The verse highlights both the pervasive prejudice of the era and Jesus' determined commitment to His divine mission, even in the face of hostility.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a significant turning point in Luke's Gospel, often referred to as Jesus' "travel narrative" or "journey to Jerusalem." [Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Luke 9:51 - Jesus Sets His Face Toward Jerusalem") explicitly states that Jesus "stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem," marking a decisive shift in His ministry from Galilee to His ultimate destiny in the capital, where His suffering, death, and resurrection would occur. The Samaritan rejection, therefore, is the very first obstacle encountered on this divinely appointed path, setting a tone of resistance that Jesus would continue to face. The subsequent verses in [Luke 9:54-56](/luke/9-54-56 "Luke 9:54-56 - James and John's Reaction to Rejection") reveal the disciples' misguided desire for vengeance, which Jesus swiftly rebukes, further emphasizing His mission of grace over judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The animosity between Jews and Samaritans was centuries old, rooted in religious, ethnic, and political differences. The Samaritans were descendants of the northern kingdom of Israel who intermarried with foreign settlers after the Assyrian conquest (722 BC) and developed their own distinct religious practices, including a separate temple on Mount Gerizim. Jews, by contrast, saw themselves as the pure descendants of Jacob and considered Samaritan worship illegitimate, viewing them as half-breeds and apostates. Traveling through Samaria was often avoided by Jews, who would take longer routes around the region. Jesus' decision to travel through Samaria, rather than around it, was itself a counter-cultural act, and the Samaritans' refusal to receive Him was a direct consequence of their recognition that He was a Jew heading to Jerusalem, the rival center of worship. This rejection underscores the deep schism that existed, making Jesus' later ministry to Samaritans (e.g., [John 4:4-42](/john/4-4-42 "John 4:4-42 - Jesus and the Samaritan Woman")) all the more revolutionary.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Rejection of Jesus**, a recurring motif throughout His ministry that culminates in His crucifixion in Jerusalem. Secondly, it powerfully illustrates **Jesus' Unwavering Resolve and Divine Purpose**. His "face was as though he would go to Jerusalem" speaks to His determined commitment to the Father's will, despite knowing the suffering that awaited Him there. This resolve is a central aspect of His messianic identity. Thirdly, it vividly portrays the **Jewish-Samaritan Conflict**, serving as a concrete example of the ethnic and religious prejudices that Jesus consistently challenged and sought to overcome through His inclusive ministry. Finally, it subtly introduces the theme of **Disciples' Misunderstanding**, as seen in [Luke 9:54](/luke/9-54 "Luke 9:54 - James and John's Vengeful Reaction"), where James and John's immediate reaction to the rejection demonstrates their yet-undeveloped understanding of Jesus' redemptive and patient mission.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **receive (Greek, _déchomai'_):** This verb (G1209) means "to accept" or "to receive" in various applications, literally or figuratively. In this context, it signifies the Samaritans' refusal to welcome Jesus and His disciples, denying them hospitality and passage. It implies a deliberate act of non-acceptance, driven by their antagonism towards Jesus' destination.
* **face (Greek, _prósōpon'_):** This noun (G4383) refers to "the front," "countenance," or "aspect." Here, "his face" is not merely a physical description but a powerful idiom (prosopopoeia) signifying Jesus' resolute determination and unwavering purpose. It conveys a sense of fixed intention, indicating that His journey was not casual but a focused, purposeful march towards Jerusalem and the fulfillment of His mission.
* **go (Greek, _poreúomai'_):** This verb (G4198) means "to traverse" or "to travel," often implying a journey with a specific destination or purpose. Combined with "his face was as though he would go," it reinforces the intentionality and directness of Jesus' movement towards Jerusalem, highlighting His commitment to the divine plan that would unfold there.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they did not receive him":** This phrase describes the direct and unequivocal rejection Jesus and His disciples experienced from the Samaritan villagers. The refusal to "receive" (G1209, _déchomai_) implies a denial of hospitality, shelter, and passage, a significant breach of customary welcome in the ancient Near East. This rejection highlights the immediate consequence of the Samaritans' prejudice.
* **"because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem":** This clause provides the crucial reason for the Samaritans' non-reception. The idiom "his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem" (G4383 _prósōpon_ + G4198 _poreúomai_ + G2419 _Hierousalḗm_) conveys Jesus' fixed and unwavering determination to reach Jerusalem. For the Samaritans, this clear intent to proceed to the Jewish capital, rather than to their own sacred Mount Gerizim, was perceived as an endorsement of Jewish worship and a slight against their own religious identity, thus triggering their refusal.

#### Literary Devices
Luke employs several **literary devices** in this concise verse to convey its profound meaning. The most prominent is **Idiom**, specifically the phrase "his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem." This is not a literal description of Jesus' facial expression but a powerful idiomatic expression of His unwavering resolve and determined purpose. It signifies a fixed intention and commitment, indicating that His journey was not merely geographical but a divinely appointed mission towards His destiny. This idiom functions as a form of **Metonymy**, where "face" stands for the entire person's will and intention. Furthermore, the scene itself serves as **Foreshadowing**, as this initial rejection by the Samaritans anticipates the greater rejection Jesus would face in Jerusalem, ultimately leading to His crucifixion. The narrative also utilizes **Contrast** between Jesus' steadfast purpose and the Samaritans' sectarian prejudice, setting the stage for the disciples' own misguided reaction in the subsequent verses.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 9:53 powerfully underscores the unwavering resolve of Jesus in fulfilling His divine mission, even in the face of human opposition and prejudice. His "setting His face" towards Jerusalem is a theological statement of His commitment to the Father's will, knowing that suffering and death awaited Him there as part of God's redemptive plan. This rejection by the Samaritans highlights the pervasive human tendency towards division and hostility based on ethnic or religious differences, a barrier that Jesus' ministry consistently sought to dismantle through His inclusive love and ultimate sacrifice. It serves as a stark reminder that God's chosen path often involves suffering and misunderstanding, yet His purposes will ultimately prevail.

* [John 4:9](/john/4-9 "John 4:9 - Jewish-Samaritan Animosity")
* [Luke 13:33](/luke/13-33 "Luke 13:33 - Jesus' Determined Path to Jerusalem")
* [Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of Our Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 9:53 offers profound insights into the nature of discipleship and the challenges of living out one's faith. Jesus' unwavering resolve to go to Jerusalem, despite knowing the opposition and suffering that awaited Him, serves as a powerful model for believers. We are called to cultivate a similar steadfastness in pursuing God's will for our lives, even when the path is difficult, unpopular, or met with rejection. This verse also confronts us with the reality of prejudice and the human tendency to build walls based on differences. Just as the Samaritans rejected Jesus due to their sectarian views, we too can be guilty of allowing biases to hinder our acceptance of others or even of God's truth. The passage challenges us to examine our own hearts for any prejudices that might prevent us from extending grace and hospitality, reminding us that the Gospel calls us to transcend such divisions and embrace a radical love that welcomes all.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you need to "set your face" with unwavering resolve towards God's purpose, even when facing opposition?**
* **How do you typically react when you experience rejection or misunderstanding because of your faith or values?**
* **What prejudices or biases might you unknowingly hold that prevent you from fully embracing others, as Jesus sought to do with the Samaritans?**

### FAQ
**Why were the Samaritans so unwelcoming to Jesus and His disciples?**

Answer: The Samaritans' unwelcoming stance stemmed from a centuries-old, deep-seated animosity with the Jews. While both groups traced their lineage to Jacob and acknowledged the Torah, they differed significantly on the proper place of worship and other interpretations of Jewish law. The Samaritans worshipped on Mount Gerizim, while Jews worshipped in Jerusalem. When the Samaritan villagers perceived that Jesus' "face was as though he would go to Jerusalem" ([Luke 9:53](/luke/9-53 "Luke 9:53 - Samaritan Rejection")), they understood His intention to endorse the Jewish worship site over their own. This perceived allegiance to Jerusalem, the rival religious center, led to their refusal of hospitality. This historical tension is also evident in other biblical passages, such as when the Samaritan woman at the well notes, "For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans" ([John 4:9](/john/4-9 "John 4:9 - Jewish-Samaritan Conflict")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 9:53, with its portrayal of Jesus' resolute journey to Jerusalem and the Samaritan rejection, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the broader narrative of His redemptive mission. Jesus' "setting His face" towards Jerusalem is not merely a geographical movement but a determined march towards the cross, the ultimate act of self-sacrifice for the salvation of humanity. His unwavering resolve, despite knowing the suffering that awaited Him ([Luke 18:31-33](/luke/18-31-33 "Luke 18:31-33 - Jesus Foretells His Passion")), exemplifies His perfect obedience to the Father's will, a fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies concerning the Suffering Servant ([Isaiah 53:3-7](/isaiah/53-3-7 "Isaiah 53:3-7 - The Suffering Servant")). The rejection by the Samaritans foreshadows the greater rejection Jesus would face from His own people in Jerusalem, culminating in His crucifixion. Yet, this rejection was paradoxically part of God's plan to bring about reconciliation, not only between God and humanity but also between divided peoples. Jesus, the true Lamb of God, was "despised and rejected of men" ([Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - Despised and Rejected")), yet through His death and resurrection, He broke down the "middle wall of partition" ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Breaks Down Walls")) between Jew and Gentile, including Samaritans. His journey to Jerusalem, though marked by initial rejection, ultimately led to the universal invitation of the Gospel, extending salvation to all who believe, regardless of their background or past prejudices ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Witnesses to the Ends of the Earth")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 4:9

Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.

John 4:40

So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days.

John 4:42

And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard [him] ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.

Luke 9:48

And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.