Hi all! This month we are learning about the things Jesus taught. (Later in the month we will cover His death and resurrection.)

Today’s story is a well known tale found in Matthew 22, Mark 12 and Luke 10.

Some of the people really loved Jesus and loved listening to Him teach. But some of the people were jealous of Jesus, or scared that He might try to be more powerful than them, so they would try to trick Him. One day they said, “The Bible says, ‘Love your neighbor,’ but WHO counts as my neighbor?”

Jesus answered by telling them this story.

“A man was traveling one day when he was attacked by robbers. They took his clothes, hurt him and went away, leaving him almost dead. A priest was going down the same road, but when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. Soon another important man came to the place and saw him, but he also passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. (Remember the people in Israel and the people in Samaria did not like each other, they were supposed to be enemies.) He went to him and bandaged his wounds. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to a hotel and took care of him. The next day he took out some money and gave it to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will give you the money for any extra costs you may have taking care of this man.’

Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”

The expert in the law replied, “The one who took care of him.”

Jesus told him, “Go and do the same.”

 

So who did Jesus say is our neighbor? Only the people who live next to us? Only the people we like? Only the people like us?

No…everyone…anyone who needs our help. Jesus said no matter how important you think you are, you can always help someone else. Who can you love? You can love the people in your class at school. You can give money or clothes to people who need them. You can share food with people who are hungry. How does your family show love to neighbors?

We drew pictures to illustrate today’s story.

 

Veggie tales has a cute video of this story.

And for a little nostalgia, this video is from the McGee and Me series posted by David Hill.

 

Thanks for joining us! Love to you all!