Season 2 Episode 1 Racism

[Dr. Shane]

There was great prejudice by the Jews against the Samaritans during the days of Christ.  Jesus did the unthinkable.  He embraced those that were hated.  While racial minorities have yet to achieve full equality in the US, they are not the most despised.  Those that do not assimilate are most despised.  That includes sexual minorities and Immigrants.  Those that do not speak English or dress in their culture's traditional dress are despised.  There are some that want to use the strong arm of the civil government to force assimilation.  Such political positions diminish our ability to spread the gospel.  Starting at minute marker 1:40 Jesus starts laying it out for James and John.  The Samaritans, in the show, were accepting the message.  Then at minute marker 1:55 Jesus drives it home.  James and John are no more worthy.  Paul made that clear in Galatians 3:28. "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."

Now at minute marker 2:40 Jesus points out how illogical force is with the gospel.  

 

 

[Dr. Shane]

This episode deals with deals with the issue of racism or prejudice. We also see a confirmation bias played out. The Jews and Samaritans had grievances against each other. Each was resistant to allow evidence to changed how they felt for the other group. Jesus was calling them to rise above historical grievances. There are many examples of such grievances in the world today. If we are honest with ourselves, most of us could find areas where we are prejudice. Prejudice may be manifested as stereotypes. There are stereotypes of other religions. Some have preconceived ideas about various ethic groups. Some are viewed as lazy, others dirty, others ignorant, others greedy and the list goes on and on.

Jesus calls us to come out of that way of thinking. There are two groups of people in the world - the saved and the lost. Jesus calls us to work for the lost. That isn't simply condemning them as lost. That means we work for their betterment. That starts with seeing their basic needs are met. People need food, shelter, healthcare and protection from harm. Those physical needs. That is where we start. We build trust with the lost and when they see we are authentic, they are more likely to be open to the gospel truth.