JESUS WAS NEVER PREJUDICED

By Rick Hermann

 

“he left Judea and departed again for Galilee. And he had to pass through Samaria. So he came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the field that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there; so Jesus, wearied as he was from his journey, was sitting beside the well. It was about the sixth hour. A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, ‘Give me a drink.’” John 4:3-7

 

In Jesus’ day, the Jews would go out of their way to have no dealings with Samaritans. Samaritans were considered “half-breeds” who had racially and theologically departed from their roots. Although the Jews didn’t like the Samaritans, Jesus traveled through Samaria and talked to a Samaritan woman. It would have been very unusual for a Jewish rabbi to talk to a woman, much less a Samaritan woman. In their conversation, Jesus convicted her of her sin and offered her real-life through knowing Him. He changed her life. 

   Jesus wasn’t prejudiced. He went out of his way to love people and serve people whom others avoided. As a Christian, there is never any room for racism, ageism, classism, sexism, or any other kinds of “isms” that may be out there. We are called to love first. 

 

ACTION POINT

   While Jesus was never prejudiced, we all have prejudice in our hearts. As sinners, it’s something we will always struggle with. Today, take time to go out of your way to serve someone whom you may not normally be around. 

 

STUDENTS

Is there someone you’ve given yourself permission to be unkind or unloving to? Repent of that and ask the Lord for an opportunity to love someone different than you. Use it as a time to share the Gospel. 

 

KIDS

Talk about what it means to love all people. Help them identify one kid at school or in your neighborhood that they don’t normally hang out with. Invite them over to play.

 

PRAYER

Dear Jesus, help me to see people as You see people. Please remind me that every person I come in contact with is a person made in Your image. Help me to be reminded that You loved them enough to give Your life for them. Help me to be kind.