Definition: And when his disciples James and John saw [this], they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly complex passage from Luke 9:54. It's a really startling one, and it’s designed to highlight the tension between Jesus and his followers. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: Jesus is talking about two of his closest disciples – James and John – who are upset with him. They’re asking him if he would allow God to send down fire and brimstone (a fiery punishment) upon them. They're imagining a scenario where something terrible happens, just like the story of Elias (who was punished severely in the Bible). Let’s unpack it: “And when his disciples James and John saw [this]…” – This means they were witnessing Jesus’ words. They were seeing him speak about this idea – that God would punish them with fire. “…they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?” – This is the core of the problem. They're asking Jesus if he would allow a divine punishment like the one described in the Old Testament story of Elias to befall them. What’s the Significance? Jesus was speaking about something that happened to Elias – he was struck down by God for his disobedience and sin. The Bible says that Elias was punished severely, and that story is a warning against pride and rebellion. The Core Message of the Verse: Jesus wasn't actually asking them to command fire. He was responding to their fear and anxiety. He was saying, "I understand your worry, but I don’t want you to do anything that would be like this." Here’s what Jesus is really trying to convey: He understands their fear: They're scared of punishment. He wants to protect them: He doesn’t want them to face a terrible fate. He’s teaching about obedience: He’s showing them that he has authority and control over things, and they need to trust him and obey his teachings. In short, the verse is a moment of intense pressure where Jesus was acknowledging their fear while simultaneously establishing his own power and authority. Important Note: This passage is often interpreted as a challenge to the group of disciples who were questioning Jesus' teachings and challenging his authority. It highlights the tension between Jesus’ message of love and forgiveness and the potential for conflict within his followers. --- To help me explain it further, could you tell me: What specifically are you finding confusing about this verse? (Are you struggling with a particular aspect?)