Mary was in labor and in much pain.. the ride on Joseph’s donkey only aggravated the pain in her womb. Joseph was trying to find a place where they could rest for the night. They reached an inn, only to be turned away. The innkeeper saw no monetary profit on giving up a room for two obviously poor travelers

Flash forward three decades later, and Jesus with His disciples , wearily walking the dusty road to Samaria sought rest. The disciples were relieved to see the first Samaritan village in sight. Though Jesus didn’t complain, they knew even He was tired and hungry. Maybe they also needed to use a restroom in the village as well.

When they reached the village entrance they were turned away. Perhaps someone asked Jesus, “where are you headed?” ., and He replied to them: “Jerusalem”. “Why go there? stay with us!” they may have replied., and He may have replied back, “No, I cannot stay., it is necessary for Me to be in Jerusalem.”

Offended, (as the Samaritans hated Jerusalem) they may have replied, ‘fine.. then go Your way- to Your precious Jerusalem!” and they sent Jesus and His disciples away. His disciples , angry, tired, indignant at the callous attitude of those Samaritans, asked Jesus if they should ask the Father to send fire from Heaven and destroy them. Jesus replied, “I came not to destroy, but to give life.” “Come, lets’ go to another village.”

So continuing on.. uncomfortable, hot and hungry, they trudged along the dusty roads toward another village that might receive them. Jesus never let His emotions take over His spirit even when the door was slammed in His face. He was grieved many times, yes.., but grieved at the person’s hardened heart.. He , no doubt, offered up His every day rejections to the Father for the good of mankind and prayed for that person’s soul.

I asked our Lord if He would allow me to blindly open up to something pertaining to this from His recorded words in “He and I”, and I then opened blindly to the following:

“Not to be wanted.. to have to depend on your welcome! i, Who would always want to lavish My love on each soul. And how can I, if you keep your door closed to Me? I was going to say, if you look hostile and suspicious.

Some are afraid I’ll ask too much of them. If they only knew how happy they would be in giving Me everything in complete and joyous surrender. The most beautiful gift you can give Me is your joy in serving Me.”