Yes, Jesus the Messiah acknowledges as foreigners in the Jewish religious and cultural context, but he deliberately includes them in his teaching to reveal the universal reach of salvation and to denounce ethnic and spiritual barriers.
The Greek word used here is ἀλλογενής (allogenēs), which literally means “of another race” or “of another people.” It is a strong term, used in the Septuagint to designate non-Israelites. Jesus the Messiah uses this word to refer to the Samaritan, stressing that he is outside the Jewish people in the religious and ethnic sense.
Historical and religious context
In the time of Jesus, the Jews regarded as schismatics, even as pagans. They had their own temple on Mount Gerizim and rejected part of the Hebrew Scriptures.
John 4.9 () specifies: The Samaritan woman said to him, “How is it that you, a Jew, ask me for a drink, me, a Samaritan woman?” For Jews have no dealings with . –
Jesus acknowledges their status… but goes beyond it
Luke 17.18-19 () tells of the healing of the ten lepers: “Was no one found to return and give glory to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has saved you.”
John 4.1-26 shows the Samaritan woman at the well: Jesus the Messiah engages in a deep conversation with a Samaritan woman, defying religious and social taboos. He reveals to her that worshiping in spirit and in truth goes beyond sacred places.
Luke 10.25-37 relates the of the good Samaritan: the Samaritan becomes a figure of the true neighbor, surpassing the priest and the Levite. Jesus the Messiah overturns expectations: the foreigner becomes the example to follow.
In summary
Jesus the Messiah acknowledges the status of “foreigner” of the , but does not exclude them. He brings them to light as witnesses of faith, compassion and truth. For him the term “foreigner” becomes a starting point for revealing the radical inclusiveness of the Kingdom.