The text says that when Jesus decided to travel from Judea to Galilee, “He must needs go through Samaria,” John 4:24-26. Innocent words, yet words expressing an intent that may not be obvious to our senses today. Earlier in that text, Jesus spoke to a woman of Samaria, and we read her words: “the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans,” verse 9. Yes, there was considerable tension between the races in those times, and Jesus’ visit with that Samaritan woman speaks volumes to them and to our generation.
To some degree, we all reflect the influence of our parents and the culture in which we were reared. You can’t miss the teaching in the Bible about the attitude Christians should exhibit toward our neighbors, regardless of race. But as clear as the Bible is, some continue to harbor prejudice against those of other backgrounds, cultures and races.
When Jesus spoke to that woman He led the way to an attitude expressed all through the New Testament, that of love and respect for men and women of all races. The major racial bias in Jesus’ culture was between Jew and Gentile, but such prejudice was denounced in principle in many passages. Paul’s rebuke of Peter in Galatians 2:11-14 focused upon a prejudice that led to hypocrisy. Note these passages:
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus,” Galatians 3:27-28.
“Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also,” Romans 3:29.
“For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free,” 1 Corinthians 12:13.
“There is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all,” Colossians 3:11.
“There is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved,” Romans 10:12-13.
In all these passages we could substitute the word that represents any and all racial groups and the point would be the same: Jesus died for all mankind. That being true, all of us must be willing to set aside our prejudices toward other races and cultures.
Are they different from us? Do they have unusual customs and behavior patterns? Is their language or speech somewhat different from ours? The answer to all these questions may be “yes,” but Asians, blacks, Hispanics and Europeans will all answer to the same God in judgment. We all need the same Gospel, must obey God in the same way, and are as vital to Jehovah, as loved by Him as you and me. Do we like all their cultural differences? Do we understand their backgrounds and their ways? Of course we may have to work at having the right attitude toward others, but that is what God demands.
I clearly remember the “Whites Only” signs I saw as a boy on the water fountains and the rest rooms in public places. I went to school with many Hispanics, but no blacks. It was not until I taught in a Junior College that I taught a black student. As a child, I recall having a black lady named Lillian come to our home and clean house and take care of me during the day while Mother worked, but I never recall my parents teaching me that other races were inferior, and for that I am grateful. My attitude toward others still may not always be what it should be, but if I want to be pleasing to God, I cannot harbor ill feelings toward those of different color or speech.
The Fort Worth Star-Telegram recently ran a story about Marvin and O. P. Leonard, who owned my favorite and the biggest downtown department store in that city. The story discussed their decision to remove those “Whites Only” signs long before the law forced them to do so. Today, respect for their decision comes from blacks and whites alike.
Yes, there is still a lot of prejudice—on all sides— but Christians must be willing to respect those who are created in God’s image, and take the message of the Gospel to them. They need it, and we must be willing to share with them. If we don’t……
