On Sunday, November 12, 2023, VLC gathered in person and also broadcast online via YouTube. Pastor Stuart shared a message about when Jesus was rejected by a Samaritan village while he was on his way to Jerusalem. Two of the disciples wanted to punish the village, but Jesus extended them mercy. From this story, we can rediscover Jesus’ mercy, realizing that judgment doesn’t bring salvation, but mercy, grace, and love. We are invited to develop a merciful spirit towards those we encounter on a daily basis.

As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him; but the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem. When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?” But Jesus turned and rebuked them and said, * “You do not know of what kind of spirit you are; for the Son of Man did not come to destroy people’s lives, but to save them.”
Luke 9:51-56 (NIV)
* Luke 9:55b (NASB)