Luke 9:52
And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him. And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him.
This verse belongs to Jesus' final journey toward Jerusalem, which unlike earlier journeys was made openly, with messengers sent ahead to announce His coming and to direct attention to the sacrifice He was going to make. The messengers entered a village of the Samaritans to make ready for His arrival, asking the people to prepare refreshments for Him and His disciples.
The Samaritans refused to welcome Him because He appeared to be continuing toward Jerusalem, which they interpreted as preference for the Jews whom they bitterly hated. Though He was weary and night was near and He gave no special sign He would stay, they withheld even the welcome they would have given an ordinary traveler and did not invite Him to remain. By their prejudice and refusal they lost the blessing of His presence, which they could have received by inviting Him to stay.
Though He could have come with triumphant display, He came humbly and did not force His way in when refused. He did not resent their disrespect but His love and concern remained, and He went on to bless those willing to receive Him. When the disciples took the slight personally and wanted to call down fire on the Samaritans, He rebuked their anger, for His mission was to show mercy, not judgment. His work is not done by compulsion, so His followers and ministers are to win people by persuasion and entreaty, not by command or force, and must not answer insult with resentment or retaliate for perceived neglect, but follow His forgiving spirit.