This story is featured in a collection of Bible stories for kids called Do Not Be Afraid: Bible Stories for Kids about Hope.
The Jews did not like the Samaritans. The Samaritans did not worship God in Jerusalem like the Jews did. So they avoided the Samaritans at all costs. For this reason, the parable of the Good Samaritan was a surprise to those who heard it.
As you read this story, pay attention to the way the Samaritan is a good neighbor.
A lawyer came up to Jesus and asked, “What must I do to get to heaven?”
Jesus asked him, “What is written in the law?”
“You shall love God, and love your neighbor as yourself,” the lawyer replied.
“You are correct. Do this, and you will live forever,” he told him.
“Okay, but who is my neighbor?” the lawyer asked Jesus.
In response, Jesus told him and the people there a parable.
He said that there was a man walking from Jerusalem to Jericho. Robbers attacked the man and beat him up and stole everything he had. They left him nearly dead.
A priest was walking up the road when he saw the bloody man. The priest walked around the man on the other side of the road to avoid him.
Then a Levite, who was also supposed to be a holy man as someone who helped in the Temple, saw the bloody man in the road. He, too, avoided him, passing by on the other side.
Then a Samaritan man approached. When he saw the bloody Jewish man, he was moved with pity. He ran to him and bandaged his wounds and treated him with care. He picked up the man and placed him on his horse. He took the man to an inn and rented a room to take care of him overnight.
The next day, he went to the innkeeper and gave him two days’ wages. He said, “Take care of the man. He is very hurt. I must go and finish some business, but when I return, I will repay you whatever you spend to care for him.”
When Jesus finished the parable, he said to the lawyer, “Which of these three—the priest, the Levite, or the Samaritan—was a neighbor to the man who was robbed?”
The lawyer said, “The one who showed him mercy.”
Jesus replied, “Go and do likewise for your neighbors.”
Good Samaritan Reflection Questions
- What did the Samaritan do as a good neighbor for the man?
- How can you be a good neighbor to people who are bullied at school?
- How can you give hope to someone who is struggling and alone?
Download & Print this Story and Reflection Questions
You can read this story to your kids online or download a PDF printout along with discussion questions here:
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