Does God Approve of Racial Prejudice? Part 1 of 2

Preview: The issue of racial prejudice is addressed through the Word of God. This is the first part of a two-part lesson on this subject. 


Scripture Reading: John 4:1-16. 

Memory Verse: Matthew 28:19. 

1. What are the first two Commandments? Matthew 22:36-40. 
2. What was Jesus asked regarding a neighbor? Luke 10:29. 
3. Who did Jesus say was a neighbor? Luke 10:30-37. 
4. What were relations like between the Jews and Samaritans? Did hatred exist between them? John 4:9. 
Note: There was deep racial and religious hatred between Jews and Samaritans. The Jews considered themselves much better than the Samaritans. Their animosity was so strong that the Jews made a long detour to avoid passing through Samaria when they were traveling from Judah to Galilee. Jesus disregarded such sinful ignorance. 
5. Of what race was the leper that returned to thank Jesus for healing? Luke 17:15-16. 
6. What did Jesus do for the Samaritan? Luke 17:17-19. 
Note: It has been said that Jesus never mentioned racial prejudice in His teachings, even though the Jews had much of it. A prayerful look at the things Jesus did and taught will show that He struck at the root of such evil (a high esteem of one’s own race with a derogatory attitude toward other races). Such an attitude is contrary to the spirit of Christ and is not of God. 
7. When Jesus first sent out His twelve disciples where did He tell them not to go? Matthew 10:5. 
8. Where were they to go? Matthew 10:6. 
9. What did Jesus command after His death? Was it different than before? Mark 16:15, Acts 1:8. 
10. What did Jesus foretell of the hatred of the last days? Matthew 24:10. 
Note: Hate is the opposite of love and God is love. Therefore, we cannot have the Spirit of God in us if we don’t have love for all mankind. We need His help in our efforts to stand up and prove before men and women that we love all mankind regardless of race or color. 

To Be Continued… 

Other Lessons* in this series:

Does God Approve of Racial Prejudice: Part 1 of 2
Does God Approve of Racial Prejudice: Part 2 of 2

*Lessons in a series may not necessarily be in the same category.