The End of Prejudice

CAN we recognize tendencies toward prejudice in ourselves?  For example, do we draw conclusions as to the character of a person based on his skin color, nationality, ethnic group, or tribe-even though we do not know that person?  Or can we value each person for his or her unique qualities? 

In Jesus' day people who lived in Judea and Galilee had "no dealings with  Samaritans."  (John 4:9)  A saying recorded in the Talmud no doubt expressed the feeling of many Jews:  "May I never set eyes on a Samaritan."

Even Jesus' apostles may have harbored a degree of prejudice against Samaritans.  On one occasion they were not received kindly by a Samaritan village.  James and John asked if they should call down fire upon the unresponsive people.  By his rebuke, Jesus showed them that their attitude was improper. -Luke 9:52-56.

Later, Jesus related a parable of a  man who had been set upon by robbers during his journey from Jerusalem to Jericho.  Two religious passersby were not inclined to help  the man.  A Samaritan, however, stopped, bandaged the man's wounds.  Then he arranged for the man's care so that he could recover from his injuries.  That Samaritan proved himself a real neighbor.  (Luke 10:29-37) Jesus' parable may have helped his listeners to realize that  their prejudice  blinded them to the good qualities in others.  A few years later, John returned to Samaria and  preached in many of its villages-perhaps including the village that he once wanted to have destroyed. -Acts 8:14-17, 25. 

The apostle Peter also had to act impartially when an angel directed him to speak about Jesus to Cornelius, a Roman Centurion.  Peter was not used to dealing with non-Jews, and most Jews had  no love for Roman soldiers.  (Acts 10:28)  But when Peter say  God's direction in the matter, he said: "For a certainty I perceived that God is not partial, but in every nation the man that fears him and works righteously is acceptable to him." -Acts 10:34, 35. 

Next time: The End of Prejudice - The Motive for Fighting Prejudice

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