Albert Barnes Commentary Luke 9:55

"But he turned, and rebuked them." — Luke 9:55 (ASV)

Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. You suppose that you are motivated by a proper love for me; but you do not know yourselves. It is rather a love of revenge; rather revengeful feelings toward the Samaritans than proper feelings toward me. We learn here—

1. That apparent zeal for God may be only improper opposition toward our fellow men.
2. That men, when they wish to honour God, should examine their spirit, and see if there is not lying at the bottom of their professed zeal for God some bad feeling toward their fellow men.
3. That the highest opposition which Jesus met with was not inconsistent with his loving those who opposed him, and with his seeking to do them good.