Why do people get offended by the whole 'Jesus was black' thing...?

Well, I was talking to a friend about religion recently, and I brought up the whole 'Do you think Jesus was black?' thing and he seemed to get really offended, saying 'No way. he was white'.

But why do people take such offence to this, like the controversy over Madonnas 'Like A Prayer' video?

What are your thoughts on this?

EDIT: Sorry if I offended anyone, I have removed the offensive statement

But he was born in the Middle East, so he was bound to be black.zepman71

Err....

First of all, he was Jewish, secondly, middle easterners aren't black...jointed

Sorry, I didn't mean to stereotype there....

I'm very offended xzemnes567