In five short words, Jesus overcame hundreds of years of prejudice based on social mores, race, gender, and much more! And here are some ways we, too, can overcome prejudices as we approach Martin Luther King Jr's birthday.

Social prejudices
Women came to gather water early in the morning—in groups. This woman seemed socially outcast to be coming to the well alone at noon. There was something very odd about her. Jesus broke other social norms by simply talking to a woman in public and particularly teaching a woman. Scripture notes that Jesus had many female disciples including "Mary (called Magdalene); Joanna the wife of Cuza, the manager of Herod's household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support [Jesus] out of their own means."
• Top ten signs you may be prejudiced
• Hatred is not "Christian"

Racial and ethnic prejudices
Jews considered the Samaritan half-breeds and as the text notes, "Jews do not associate with Samaritans."
• James Robert Watkins: soul brother

Gender prejudices
Jewish men got up each morning and thanked God they were not born a dog, a Gentile or a woman. At that time, Women were considered "chattel" or property.
• Men and women are different
• Men and women are equal in God's eyes
• What was Paul thinking when he wrote 1 Timothy 2:12?

Religious prejudices
Apparently the issues of place of worship was also a barrier. The woman notes, "Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem." Jesus replied that is not physical location but the relationship with God that is most important.
• God is on our side—and theirs
• Having a relationship with God

Response
Just when I think—maybe—we're making progress, I get an email like this:

I THINK IT IS ABOUT TIME AMERICAN WHITE PEOPLE PUT THESE BLACKS BACK IN THE REAR OF THE BUS!

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