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Theme: Doing What’s Right - Jesus Talks About the Kingdom
- James 4:7 says, “If you don’t do what you know is right, you have sinned.” Sometimes, it’s hard to do what is right! Can you think of a time when you had to choose to do the right thing when the wrong seemed like it might be easier?
- Jesus told stories called parables to help people understand what he was trying to teach them, like doing what is right instead of what is easy. As you listen to this episode, think about how you will decide to do what is right even when it isn’t easy.
After you listen
Memory Verse
But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
Quiz
Reflect
It can be challenging, and often very inconvenient, to do what is right. In the Parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus taught us that we must 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 they were missing the point of God's meaning 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 to 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.
- 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…”
- Now, think about what the Samaritan decided. In 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.
- 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.
