Jesus’ message about immigrants is rooted in compassion, empathy, and action. Through key teachings and parables—like the story of the Good Samaritan and the words in Matthew 25—Jesus consistently calls His followers to welcome and care for the stranger. His message is not vague or abstract; it’s deeply practical, urging believers to see every person, especially the outsider, as worthy of love and dignity. These teachings challenge Christians to view immigrants not through the lens of politics, but through the lens of grace, reminding us that when we care for the vulnerable, we are, in fact, serving Christ Himself.
What’s more, Jesus’ message echoes the Old Testament command to love and protect the foreigner, rooted in Israel’s own history as immigrants in Egypt. From the Golden Rule to the command to love our neighbor as ourselves, Scripture paints a consistent picture: love knows no borders. But understanding this call is only the beginning. Keep reading for a deeper dive into how Jesus’ words can shape not just our beliefs, but our actions—right here, right now.
Immigration is a hot topic these days, and you might wonder what Jesus has to say about it. Let’s dive into the Bible to explore His teachings and how they relate to immigrants.
Jesus and the Stranger
Jesus’ teachings are clear about how we should treat strangers and immigrants. One of the most compelling passages is in Matthew 25:35-40, where Jesus says:
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”
His followers are puzzled and ask, “When did we see you a stranger and invite you in?” Jesus replies:
“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
Jesus is saying that when you help a stranger, you’re helping Him. This sets a strong foundation for how Christians should view and treat immigrants.
The Parable of the Good Samaritan
The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) is another story that teaches us about caring for those who are different from us. In the parable, a man is beaten and left for dead. Several people pass by without helping, but a Samaritan, considered an outsider by the Jews, stops to help the injured man.
The Samaritan doesn’t hesitate because the man is a stranger or from a different community. He sees a person in need and acts with compassion and kindness. Jesus concludes the parable by saying:
“Go and do likewise.”
The lesson is clear: show mercy and kindness to everyone, including immigrants and strangers.
Old Testament Teachings
Jesus’ teachings align with the Old Testament laws that instruct the Israelites on how to treat foreigners. Leviticus 19:33-34 says:
“When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.”
This passage highlights the importance of empathy. The Israelites were once foreigners in Egypt, and God reminds them to remember their own history and treat others with the same kindness they would want.
The Golden Rule
Jesus’ Golden Rule is another principle that applies to how we treat immigrants. In Matthew 7:12, He says:
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
If you were in a foreign land, how would you want to be treated? You’d likely want kindness, support, and understanding. Jesus urges us to extend that same kindness to everyone, including immigrants.
Love Your Neighbor
The command to “love your neighbor as yourself” is central to Jesus’ teachings. This isn’t limited to those who live next door or look like us. In Luke 10:27, Jesus says:
“‘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.’”
Your neighbor can be anyone in need, regardless of their nationality or status. Jesus calls us to love inclusively and generously.
Practical Ways to Welcome Immigrants
Understanding Jesus’ teachings is one thing, but how can you put them into practice? Here are some practical ways to welcome and support immigrants in your community:
- Offer Hospitality: Invite immigrants into your home, share meals, and get to know them. This simple act can make a huge difference in helping them feel welcome.
- Provide Assistance: Help with practical needs like finding housing, employment, or navigating local services. Your support can help them settle in more smoothly.
- Advocate for Fair Treatment: Stand up against discrimination and advocate for fair policies that support immigrants. Use your voice to promote justice and equality.
- Learn and Educate: Educate yourself and others about the challenges immigrants face. Understanding their struggles can foster empathy and inspire action.
- Volunteer: Get involved with organizations that support immigrants. Your time and effort can provide crucial help and show that you care.
Conclusion
Jesus’ teachings on how to treat immigrants are clear and powerful. He calls us to show love, compassion, and kindness to all, especially those who are strangers in our land. By following His example, you can make a positive impact on the lives of immigrants and embody the love and grace that Jesus taught.
Remember, every act of kindness counts. Whether you’re offering a helping hand, advocating for fair treatment, or simply being a friend, you’re reflecting Jesus’ love. So, go out and “do likewise,” as the Good Samaritan did, and make the world a more welcoming place for everyone.
FAQs About “What Does Jesus Say About Immigrants?”
1. What does the Bible say about how to treat immigrants?
The Bible, particularly in the teachings of Jesus, emphasizes treating immigrants with kindness, compassion, and hospitality. Key passages include Matthew 25:35-40, where Jesus equates welcoming strangers to welcoming Him, and the Parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37, which teaches us to show mercy and kindness to everyone, regardless of their background.
2. How does the Parable of the Good Samaritan relate to immigrants?
The Parable of the Good Samaritan demonstrates the importance of showing compassion to those who are different from us. In the story, a Samaritan helps a wounded stranger, illustrating that our love and kindness should extend to everyone, including immigrants.
3. Are there Old Testament teachings about immigrants?
Yes, the Old Testament also instructs on the treatment of immigrants. For instance, Leviticus 19:33-34 commands the Israelites to treat foreigners as native-born and to love them as themselves, reminding them of their own history as foreigners in Egypt.
4. What is the Golden Rule and how does it apply to immigrants?
The Golden Rule, stated by Jesus in Matthew 7:12, is to “do to others what you would have them do to you.” This principle encourages us to treat immigrants with the same kindness, respect, and support that we would want if we were in their position.
5. How can I practically support immigrants in my community?
There are several ways to support immigrants:
- Offer hospitality by inviting them into your home and sharing meals.
- Provide assistance with housing, employment, and local services.
- Advocate for fair treatment and policies that support immigrants.
- Educate yourself and others about their challenges to foster empathy.
- Volunteer with organizations that help immigrants.
6. Why is it important to treat immigrants with kindness according to Jesus?
Jesus’ teachings emphasize that showing kindness and compassion to strangers is akin to showing kindness to Him. By treating immigrants with love and respect, we are living out the principles of the Gospel and reflecting Jesus’ love in our actions.
7. What does “love your neighbor as yourself” mean in the context of immigrants?
“Love your neighbor as yourself” means extending love and care to everyone, not just those who are like us or live nearby. In the context of immigrants, it means showing them the same compassion, support, and kindness that we would want for ourselves.
8. How does Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 25:35-40 relate to immigrants?
In Matthew 25:35-40, Jesus teaches that caring for the hungry, thirsty, strangers, and those in need is equivalent to caring for Him. This passage directly relates to how we should treat immigrants, emphasizing the importance of welcoming and supporting them as we would Jesus Himself.
9. What does the Bible say about advocating for immigrants?
While the Bible doesn’t specifically use the term “advocacy,” its teachings on justice, mercy, and loving our neighbors imply that we should stand up for the fair treatment of all people, including immigrants. Proverbs 31:8-9 encourages us to “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves” and “defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
10. How can understanding Jesus’ teachings on immigrants change my perspective?
Understanding Jesus’ teachings can inspire you to see immigrants not as outsiders but as people deserving of love and compassion. It encourages you to act with empathy and kindness, recognizing that by helping immigrants, you’re living out the values Jesus taught and making a positive impact in your community.
