Jesus was determined to go to Jerusalem to fulfill God's plan to sacrifice himself and save humanity from sin. However, some rejected him, like the Samaritans due to prejudice. The disciples also showed intolerance when they wanted to destroy a village, but Jesus rebuked them for not understanding that his purpose was to save souls, not destroy them. Saving souls, including one's own soul, is of utmost importance.

1. The Imperative of Saving Souls Luke 9:51-56

2. Luke 9:51-56 The Imperative of Saving Souls “ When the time had come…” This time had been foreseen and meticulously planned by God before the world began (Galatians 4:4-5; Eph. 1:7-10; 2 Timothy 1:9) Jesus was to be crucified, raised and ascend to the Father (John 3:14; 12:32-33) Sacrificing Himself to save the lost was the purpose for which Christ came into the world (John 3:17; 12:27-28; Luke 19:10)

3. Luke 9:51-56 The Imperative of Saving Souls He “set His face to go to Jerusalem” Jesus was determined to carry out His Father’s plan. As prophesied in Isaiah 50:6-7 He refused to be rescued from His destiny (John 18:10-11)

4. Luke 9:51-56 The Imperative of Saving Souls The Samaritans “did not receive Him, because His face was set for the journey to Jerusalem.” Jesus was rejected due to prejudice (John 4:20) Prejudice resulted in missed opportunity. Wisdom demands that we deal with others “without partiality” (James 3:17)

5. Luke 9:51-56 The Imperative of Saving Souls The disciples’ intolerance – “…do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven?” As Elijah had done (2 Kings 1:9-14) The disciples exhibit some good qualities: A sense of what is right (John 1:11-12) Faith (Luke 17:6) Zeal But they had one bad quality that undermined the others: IGNORANCE!

6. Luke 9:51-56 The Imperative of Saving Souls The Lord’s rebuke – “ You do not know what manner of spirit you are of.” The disciples did not possess the right spirit. Zeal without knowledge will never lead us to do right (Romans 10:2-3) Jesus exhibits the right spirit “ For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men's lives but to save them”

7. Saving Souls is Imperative! Saving your own soul is most imperative! “ For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” -- Mark 8:36-37