The kingdom perspective on racism: What did Jesus say and do?

The current global debate on racism rages on. One perspective that has not been shared often is: what did God (Jesus) say about racism during his earthly sojourn with us?

Here are some racism truths:

Racism is not about skin color, it is about ideology.

The root of racism is a spiritual matter, planted in the earth by demonic force.

Skin color has no ability to reason; our actions come from the heart (mind, consciousness), not skin.

If our heart and our head is right, our skin color becomes irrelevant.

There is no other logical explanation for racism because it does not make any logical sense.

The Bible refers to some things as spiritual wickedness in high places, meaning there are things we do not see that are at work.

Racism does not make sense and has been debunked incessantly.

We have heard many perspectives on racism – but what is the kingdom perspective?

What did Jesus show us about racism?

Racism is impossible in the kingdom. (We cannot adhere to the kingdom principles and have racism.)

The kingdom is the cure for racism because the kingdom of God coming to earth was Jesus’ purpose, breaking a lifelong curse and freeing man to live according to original purpose.

In the book of Genesis, God showed us our value. He created one race – the human race. You will notice in Genesis 1:28 that when God speaks of dominion, he never mentioned that we should have dominion over people; only fish, fowl, etc.

“Then God blessed them, and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves on the earth’.”

Again, there is no mention of dominion over humans.

When Jesus came to earth, he introduced a new system, a new culture into the earth. He showed that the kingdom is a system of government that supersedes the existing world systems and provides benefits the world’s system cannot provide. He showed what we call kingdom perspective. His statements reveal the cure for racism. Let’s take a look at some of His statements, which are the definitive statements of equality:

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. In other words, treat others the way you want to be treated.

Love your neighbor as yourself, is another example of a principle that prohibits racism.

Another example that Jesus shared is the Good Samaritan story.

“He answered, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and love your neighbor as yourself.’

“‘You have answered correctly’,” Jesus replied. ‘Do this and you will live.’

“But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbor?’

“In reply, Jesus said: ‘A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So, too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’

“‘Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?’

“The expert in the law replied, ‘The one who had mercy on him.’

“Jesus told him, ‘Go and do likewise’.”

In another instance, Jesus explained to his disciples that whoever would be greatest among them must become servant. He told them the son of man came to serve. He even washed the feet of others whom most would have considered inferior to him.

In another instance, Jesus’ men met a woman known as the “Woman at the Well” who was considered inferior or a victim of racism, classism at the time; and yet he interacted with her, defying societal norms. Here is a part of the exchange:

A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink,” for his disciples had gone away into the city to buy food. Then the woman of Samaria said to him, “How is it that you, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.

Many times he made this statement: “It shall not be so among you” – meaning that people do it one way but he has introduced a new way of doing things – the kingdom way.

Jesus’ core group was what would be considered today to be a band of rejects; a diverse group of fishermen and many who would be considered unlearned and non-elite.

Finally, the book of Galatians gives us a definitive statement on who we all are in the kingdom of God. Galatians 3:28-29 says, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”

This statement tells us that from a kingdom perspective, we are all one under God and there is no colorology or ideology that can defeat the word of the king.

• Pastor Dave Burrows is senior pastor at Bahamas Faith Ministries International. Feel free to email comments, whether you agree or disagree, to pastordaveburrows@hotmail.com. I appreciate your input and dialogue. We become better when we discuss, examine and exchange.

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