Parable of the Good Samaritan

Jesus told this story about who is our neighbor.

Before You Listen

After you listen

Memory Verse

But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

Audio Icon   Luke 10:29

Quiz

Reflect

It can be hard, and often very inconvenient, to do what is right. In the Parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus taught us that we need to do the right thing even when it’s difficult, takes us out of our way, or costs us time or money. The Jewish experts of Jesus’ time knew every detail of the Jewish law and prided themselves on following those rules to the letter. Jesus wanted to show them that they were missing the point of what God meant when he gave the laws. Jesus surprised them when he told them that the “neighbor” they needed to care for could be anyone, even an enemy! Does what Jesus said surprise you? Think about ways you can care for someone who needs help, maybe even someone you don’t like.

Read the Parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37. Want to dig deeper and learn more about doing what’s right? Check out James 4:17, 1 John 3:7 and Galatians 6:9.

Challenge

Often it can be hard to make the right decision, because the right decision costs you something. Perhaps doing the right thing will cost you time, your reputation, money or even someone’s friendship.

  1. Think about what the first two passersby decided in this story. Make a list by finishing this sentence, “The first two passersby didn’t help because they didn’t want to lose their…”
  2. Now think about what the Samaritan decided. What ways did the Samaritan help the man? What did his help cost him? Make a list, including his time, his energy and his resources.
  3. Then share your list with an adult. Ask them if they have any more ideas for your lists. Together, discuss how you will decide next time to do the right thing even if it will cost you.