Teaching Time

A man asked Jesus, “Who is my Neighbor?” Jesus told a type of story called a parable to answer the man’s question.

There was a Jewish man who was traveling on the road from Jerusalem to Jericho.

It was dangerous to travel on this road because there were often bandits or robbers there.

They would often hide behind rocks and then jump out and surprise people as they walked on the road. This is what happened to the Jewish traveler.

Not only did they rob him, but they also beat him and took his clothes! Then the robbers left him beside the road. Do you remember who walked on the same road and saw the injured man? A priest.

Yes, a priest serves God in the temple. He would know that God wants us to show His love, mercy and kindness to others. Did the priest do this? No, he walked by and left him beside the road.

Even worse, he crossed to the other side of the road to avoid him! That’s not how to show God’s love!

Then another Jewish man who worked in the temple did the same thing! He saw the man and crossed to the other side of the road! Do you think God was pleased with the two men? No!

Certainly not! These two men refused to help a man from their own country!

Then a Samaritan man rode his donkey along the same road and saw the man. The Samaritans and Jews did not like each other, in fact, they hated each other. So, it would not be a surprise if the Samaritan man crossed to the other side of the road too! Maybe he even told his donkey to go faster! Did he do that? No, he got off his donkey and put oil and bandages on his cuts and bruises.

The Samaritan man was very different but he chose to show God’s love and mercy to his enemy! He didn’t stop there, he even put the injured man on his donkey, took him to an inn, and gave the innkeeper money for a room and to take care of him.

Jesus then asked, who was the good neighbor? What’s the answer? The Samaritan.

Jesus then said to go and show mercy to others.

That is what Jesus wants us to do. How can we show God’s love and mercy to others, especially those who are different than us? Let’s discuss some different ways now.

Discuss as many scenarios as time allows from the list below, then add your own!

Read each scenario and ask for how you might show God’s love, mercy, and kindness to someone.

· A visitor comes to church and doesn’t know anyone. Say hello and tell the visitor your name. Invite the visitor to sit beside you and introduce the child to other children.

· Someone is alone on the playground while everyone else seems to be playing together. Invite the child to play with you and with others.

· A child or adult is carrying something with both hands and won’t be able to open a door. Open the door for the person.

· A child is having a tough time and is sad or maybe crying. Ask if he/she is ok or would like to talk to you, or to a teacher or adult. Be a good listener and ask if you can pray with him/her.

· A child has fallen on the playground and is hurt. Help the child up—but if the child is badly hurt, find a teacher or other adult to help the child.

There are many different ways to show God’s love and kindness to others. Pray and ask God to help you each day to find ways to be a good neighbor, especially those who are different!