In Luke 10:25-37, Jesus taught a parable to show that anyone in need is our neighbor. The parable of the Good Samaritan reminds us of the second greatest commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:34-40).
Key points:
- We should all show mercy.
- We should love our neighbors.
- We must reflect God’s love and mercy towards others.
Lesson Guide – The Parable of the Good Samaritan
Before you begin, ask your child a modern question related to this parable. For example, there was a wounded man on the street. Who do you think helped him? A shepherd, a policeman, or his enemy?
Read your child’s Bible parable. Explain that the man was trying to trick Jesus when he asked the question ‘who is my neighbor’.
Explain that mercy is showing compassion or forgiveness to someone. Has anyone ever shown you mercy? Have you ever deserved to be punished but someone chose to forgive you instead? Talk about flies or another type of pest. Mercy would be leaving the insect out in the open instead of swatting it.
Show how God showed us love and mercy, so that we could show love and mercy to others. Give your child a small mirror and turn on a flashlight. Designate an object together and help the child tilt the mirror to shine light on it. Point out that the flashlight gives off light, but the mirror reflects it. We should do the same with God’s love and mercy and show it to others.
Ask your child if he remembers who Jesus said was our neighbor? Everyone.
Make a list or look at pictures of people you know well or don’t know well. Ask your child to tell you which ones we should show mercy to. Remind them that even if we don’t like someone, they are still our neighbor.
Share how during Jesus’ time, the Samaritans were hated by the people. The Jews did not treat them well, but the man still stopped to help the injured man. Meanwhile, the people who should have been the injured man’s friends ignored him.
Do you want to help your enemy? Most people wouldn’t want to do that, but Jesus wants us to be different. Read Matthew 5:44-45.
Use the worksheet with pictures of animals and different foods. In each case explain that the animal will eat what it is in its nature to eat.
Explain that Jesus is asking us to do something difficult. It is not human nature to forgive, show mercy, or love our enemies, but God says we should love and show mercy. With Jesus’ help, we can do the opposite of what nature tells us to do.
Share how the Samaritan not only helped the man, but went above and beyond what could be expected. Treating him, carrying him, paying for his care, etc. Remind your child that God loves him when we go above and beyond in serving Him.
Think of ways you can be a good neighbor to those in need locally and around the world. You could share some ministries that help people in practical ways. If possible, plan to visit and get involved with one.
Thank God for showing mercy. Ask Him to help you show mercy to others.