During His earthly ministry Christ began to break down the partition wall between Jew and Gentile, and to preach salvation to all mankind. Though He was a Jew, He mingled freely with the Samaritans, setting at nought the Pharisaic customs of the Jews with regard to this despised people. He slept under their roofs, ate at their tables, and taught in their streets.

Under sin jordiske gerning begyndte Kristus at nedbryde skillevæggen mellem jøder og hedninger og at prædike frelse for hele menneskeslægten. Skønt han var jøde, omgikkes han frit samaritanere og regnede jødernes farisæiske skikke for intet med hensyn til dette foragtede folk. Han sov under tag med dem, spiste ved deres bord og lærte på deres gader.