PAGANS
During the time of Jesus, the term “pagan” referred to individuals who practiced polytheistic religions, particularly those rooted in Greco-Roman traditions. These pagans worshipped a pantheon of gods and goddesses, participating in rituals that were foreign to Jewish monotheistic beliefs. The Jewish community, dedicated to the worship of one God and adherence to strict religious codes (Ex 20:1-6), often viewed pagans with suspicion and regarded them as unclean due to their idolatrous practices.
Jewish Treatment of Pagans
The Jews of Jesus’ time maintained a distinct separation from pagans to preserve their religious and cultural identity. Jewish law emphasized the importance of avoiding interactions with non-Jews to prevent the influence of idolatry and maintain ritual purity (Jer 10:3-4). This separation was both a religious and cultural safeguard, rooted in the covenant with God, which required the Jewish people to remain faithful and avoid adopting pagan customs. Jews were also a distinct ethnic group with unique customs, dietary laws, and religious observances, further isolating them from their pagan neighbors.
While the general attitude was one of separation, interactions between Jews and pagans did occur, particularly in regions like Galilee where both groups lived in close proximity. The Jewish diaspora throughout the Roman Empire also necessitated some level of engagement with pagan societies in areas such as trade and daily living. Despite these interactions, the prevailing Jewish attitude was one of maintaining religious and cultural purity by limiting contact with pagans (Lev 18:24-30).
Jesus’ Approach to Pagans
In contrast to the prevailing Jewish attitudes, Jesus demonstrated a more inclusive and compassionate approach toward pagans. While born into a Jewish context, Jesus’ ministry often extended beyond the Jewish community, signaling that the Kingdom of God was open to all people, including pagans. His actions and teachings reflected a revolutionary openness for the time, emphasizing that faith, rather than ethnicity or religious background, was the key to receiving God’s blessings.
A striking example of Jesus’ approach is found in the account of the Roman centurion in Matthew 8:5-13. The centurion, a pagan, approached Jesus with faith, asking for the healing of his servant. Jesus responded not only by healing the servant but also by praising the centurion’s faith, declaring, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith” (Mt 8:10). This acknowledgment of a pagan’s faith was a radical statement, challenging the exclusive attitudes of the time.
Another notable example is the encounter with the Syrophoenician woman, a Gentile, who persistently sought Jesus’ help to heal her demon-possessed daughter. Despite an initial rebuff, her faith and determination led Jesus to grant her request, resulting in her daughter’s healing (Mk 7:24-30; Mt 15:21-28). This interaction further illustrates Jesus’ willingness to extend His ministry beyond the Jewish people and recognize the faith of those outside the covenant community.
Pagans Who Benefitted from Jesus
Several pagans benefitted directly from Jesus’ ministry, demonstrating His inclusivity:
1. The Roman Centurion (Mt 8:5-13): His servant was healed because of his faith in Jesus’ authority, despite being a pagan.
2. The Canaanite Woman (Mt 15:21-28): Her daughter was healed from demonic oppression due to her persistent faith and determination.
3. The Samaritan Leper (Lk 17:11-19): Although Samaritans were considered heretics by Jews, one Samaritan leper, out of ten healed, returned to thank Jesus, and Jesus commended him for his faith.
4. The Gerasene Demoniac (Mk 5:1-20): A man possessed by demons in the region of the Gerasenes, a predominantly pagan area, was healed by Jesus, showing His power and compassion extended beyond Jewish territories.
REFLECTION
The interactions between Jesus and pagans during His ministry provide profound lessons for Christians today. Jesus’ inclusive approach teaches the importance of compassion, openness, and the recognition of faith in diverse forms. His actions challenge us to transcend cultural and religious barriers, emphasizing that faith and righteousness are not confined to a single group. As Christians, we are called to emulate Jesus’ example by showing love and understanding to all people, regardless of their background, and by recognizing the presence of God in unexpected places.
These interactions highlight several important lessons for us as Christians:
1. The Universality of God’s Love: Jesus’ actions teach that God’s love is universal, not confined to any one group. We are called to embrace all people with the love of Christ, regardless of their background or beliefs.
2. Faith is Key: The examples of the centurion and the Canaanite woman demonstrate that faith is the essential criterion for receiving God’s grace. Faith transcends cultural and religious boundaries, and God honors the sincere faith of all who seek Him.
3. Inclusivity in the Kingdom of God: Jesus’ ministry to pagans underscores the inclusive nature of the Kingdom of God. We are called to break down barriers and extend the message of the Gospel to all people, following Jesus’ example of reaching out to those who are different from us.
4. Compassion and Mercy: Jesus’ healing of pagans shows that compassion and mercy should be at the heart of our interactions with others. We are encouraged to act with kindness and empathy, especially towards those who are marginalized or viewed as outsiders.
In a world that often divides people based on race, religion, and culture, Jesus calls us to a higher standard—one of love, inclusivity, and faith. Let us strive to live out this calling by extending the grace and mercy of Christ to everyone we encounter, recognizing that all are invited into the Kingdom of God. May we be inspired by the faith of the centurion, the persistence of the Canaanite woman, and the gratitude of the Samaritan leper, and may we seek to embody the same openness and compassion that Jesus showed to all people.