Most of us have heard the phrase, “good Samaritan,” but think about what that means. Simply put, we should help others. Unfortunately, that oversimplifies the truth behind what it means to be a good Samaritan. The Samaritans and Jews had a deep dislike for one another and did not want to have much to do with one another. The parable shows that a priest and a Levite, highly religious men who you would think of as compassionate, passed by without helping at all. Yet a Samaritan who would not be thought of to have much regard for a Jew stopped. The Samaritan didn’t see a Jew, he saw a man that needed help and he had compassion.
Often, it can be easier to help those we know or those like us. And, of course, we should help those people. But let’s challenge ourselves to look for those that are not like us, to have compassion for them, and to be a true good Samaritan.
Here is a snapshot of what we will show the kids this week:
Bible Story Focus: Jesus teaches us to help others. (Good Samaritan • Luke 10:25-37)
Memory Verse: “The crowds were amazed at his teaching.” Matthew 7:28, NIV
Key Question: Who teaches you important things?
Bottom Line: Jesus teaches me important things.
Bible Story & Worship
Watch the Bible Story Video with your kids so you can recap and discuss it with them in the “Bring Jesus To Their Level” section. Then join your kids in worship as we sing and dance for God.
Bible Story Video – Good Samaritan (link)
Worship – My Forever Friend (link)
Worship – There Are Promises (link)
Activities
Next, use the Memory Verse video to practice our monthly verse. This is our last week to practice the memory verse. Be sure to think of a fun reward like a sticker or special snack you can give them next week when they are able to say it all by themselves. The activity sheet and coloring page are fun resources to help reinforce story and/or big idea.
Memory Verse with Hand Motions (link)
Bible Story Activity (link)
Coloring Page (link)
Bring Jesus To Their Level
Finish up your church at home by recapping the story and practicing the memory again. Then say: “Our Bible story, today, was another story Jesus told. This story was about a man who helped another man who was very hurt. One day, a man was walking down a road. Some men made a very bad choice and hurt this man. Then they took all of his stuff! They left the hurt man all alone on the road. Two people walked by the hurt man and did not stop to help him. Then, a third man came by. Did that man help the hurt man? (Pause.) Yes, he did! He even put the hurt man on his donkey and carried him somewhere where he could rest and get better.
“Jesus told this story so we can know that it’s important to help others. Where can we read the stories that Jesus told? (Pause.) You got it! The Bible! (Hold up the Bible.) Jesus teaches us lots of important things in the Bible. Who teaches you important things? (Together.) [Bottom Line] Jesus teaches me important things.
“Jesus loves us and wants to teach us what is important. The Bible verse we’re learning will help us remember that Jesus is an amazing teacher. It says . . . ‘The crowds were amazed at his teaching,’ Matthew 7:28. Let’s stand up and say that together with the motions.
“‘The crowds (arms out and around) were amazed (hands to eyes like binoculars then open and close) at his teaching (hands to mouth),’ Matthew 7:28.” (Open hands like a book.) (Practice this verse several times with your kids.)
“Way to go! (Give high fives.) Since Jesus teaches us that it is important to help others, we’ll make a list of ways we can help others. So think about it. What are some ways you can help your mom, dad, brother, sister, friends, grandparents, teacher, coach—there are so many ways we can help! (Have each family member list a way they can help others.) This is a very special list. Let’s use it when we pray. Would anyone like to pray before I pray?” (Give each family member who wants to pray the opportunity to do so.)
Prayer: “Dear God, we want to be people who stop and help others. Please help us do things like (read the list your family made). Thank You for sending Jesus to teach us how to help. We love You, God. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
As we wrap up, I would like to leave you with one of the kids’ favorite ‘good-bye’ songs:
Let Me See Your Alligator
Thank you for the opportunity to partner with you in the discipleship of your kid(s). My prayers are with you.
“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”
Proverbs 22:6
