Note to the parent or teacher: Here is a 30-minute lesson plan to supplement “The Parables of Jesus: The Good Samaritan.” It goes with the lesson objectives, “Study more of the parables that Jesus taught and their meaning” (Christian Life and Faith: Biblical and Christian Foundation: Jesus, God’s Son-2b); and “Learn the joy of thinking of another’s need for encouragement instead of being self-absorbed with one’s own problems” (Character Building: Social Skills: Compassion-2c).

Read “The Parables of Jesus: The Good Samaritan." (Read this parable in Luke 10:25–37.)

Answer the questions in “Quick Quiz: Bible Who, What, Why, and Where on Compassion.”

Watch “The Good Samaritan.”

Ask who the Good Samaritan might represent. Then talk about the traits of the Good Samaritan that are traits that would be a good reflection of Jesus. For example:

• Putting the needs of others before his own;
• Not being concerned about what others might think of him for helping a stranger;
• Not fearing for his own life, such as if the robbers returned;
• Offering to repay the innkeeper for whatever it cost to care for the injured man

Read “Kindness Pays Forward.”

Talk about the potential for paying kind deeds forward that this parable holds. For instance, the first one to come to mind is how the man who was saved might then go on to help others. Perhaps the innkeeper was more willing to help others after seeing this example of caring. Both the injured man and the innkeeper would likely tell others the story of what took place, who would then be encouraged to help others due to this testimony.

Read “A Thought for the Day: Bear Someone’s Burden.” Bring out how people have both big and small needs. Listening intently to someone is one way to help others. In this article, it’s listening to someone who needs encouragement. It’s also important to listen to someone who wishes to talk about a happy event in their life.

Reflect together about how we can be like Jesus by pitching in to help others, whether for a big or small need. Consider together the events of the past week and the opportunities there were to put this principle into action.

Enjoy this example of pitching in where there’s an unanticipated need: “Student Surprises Cheerleader when Military Dad Can’t Make It.”

Additional material:

• “Level 2 Lesson Plan: Thinking of Others”