The Good Samaritan: A Family Bible Study about Kindness

February 7, 2026

Gather your family and read Luke 10:25-37 together. You can also listen to the audio story Parable of the Good Samaritan. As you read, pause to discuss the questions and think about how this story teaches us to be kind.

Part One: Who are My Neighbors? (Luke 10:25-29)

One day, a man who knew the Bible very well asked Jesus a big question: “What must I do to have eternal life?”

1. Was the man kind to Jesus? Not really! The Bible says he was testing Jesus. He wasn’t asking because he truly wanted to learn. Instead, he wanted to show off how smart he was.
2. Was Jesus kind to the man? Yes! Jesus listened to his question and kindly asked, “What do you think?” When the man answered with a Bible verse, Jesus told him he was right. But then the man asked, “Who is my neighbor?” So, Jesus told a story to help him understand.

Part Two: The Surprising Helper (Luke 10:30-35)

When Jesus told this story, his listeners were shocked! The third person on the road was a Samaritan, and Jewish people didn’t like Samaritans then. They thought the Samaritan would never help the hurt Jewish man. But guess what? He did!

1. Helping the man was not easy and even a little dangerous! What big risks did the Good Samaritan take to help the man?
   • What if the robbers were still nearby? They could attack him too!
   • What if the hurt man was pretending? It could be a trap!
   • What if someone stole his things? He had money and valuable supplies.
   • What if the trip was too hard? His donkey had to carry the man a long way.
   • What if it costs too much? He gave the innkeeper two days' wages and even promised to pay more if needed! 
2. The Good Samaritan didn’t just feel bad for the man. He took action! How much did being kind cost the Samaritan? 
   • His Time – He stopped to help instead of continuing his journey.
   • His Comfort – He cared for the man, even though it was hard work.
   • His Supplies – He used his own oil and wine to clean the man's wounds.
   • His Strength – He lifted the man onto his donkey and walked.
   • His Money – He paid for the man’s care and promised to cover extra costs.

Part Three: Do the Same! (Luke 10:36-37)

In this story, let’s remember that Jesus is the Good Samaritan, and we are the ones who need help. Jesus is willing to help you when others are not. We see who Jesus is and what he’s like. 

There’s also a moral lesson here. Jesus wants us to be kind, just like the Good Samaritan. Who is our neighbor? Everyone! God wants us to love all people, just like he loves us. Kindness is imitating God (Ephesians 4:32)—He is always loving, forgiving, and good! Our love in action should point people to God.

1. Give some examples of how we can show kindness to our neighbors. 
   • At School: Share supplies, invite someone to sit with you, help with homework, and say kind words.
   • At Home: Help with chores, let a sibling go first, say “thank you,” and give hugs.
   • With Friends: Listen, cheer them up, celebrate their success, and stand up for others.
   • In Your Community: Hold the door open for someone, smile and say hello, donate to those in need, and let someone go ahead in line.
2. What’s one kind thing you can do today? Discuss ways to show kindness.

Share this prayer to end the Bible study: Dear God, thank you for loving me and teaching me to be kind. Help me to have a heart like the Good Samaritan and stop to help others, even when it’s hard. Give me the courage to be kind, share, and care for those in need. Let my actions show your love to everyone around me. Amen.