Children Search Lesson 51 Parable of The Good Samaritan

Text: Luke 10:25-42

The parable in our Bible passage was told by Jesus Christ when answering questions from a certain lawyer. The lawyer tempted Jesus by asking Him two important questions.

(i)“…Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?“ (Luke 10: 25). To answer the question, Jesus pointed him to what was written in the word of God. By pointing the lawyer to the word of God, Jesus was teaching him and all friends of Jesus a good lesson that our salvation depends on how serious and obedient we are to the word of God. We are saved by grace through faith in Christ. And, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). When we listen to, study, meditate on and obey the word of God, we become wise unto salvation (2 Timothy 3: 15). Also, our love for God and our neighbours will grow as we love the word of God.

(ii) “..., And who is my neighbours?” (Luke 10: 29). To answer this second question, Jesus told the lawyer the parable of the Good Samaritan that we shall examine in our lesson.

 

1.THE STORY OF THE GOOD SAMARITAN: Luke 10:25-37; Matthew 25:31-46

Jesus patiently answered the question of the lawyer by telling him a story of a certain man who was attacked by robbers. He was wounded as a result of the attack. There came a certain Levite (worker in the church) who went that way and passed him by. A certain priest (pastor) also came by that way and looked to the other side without paying attention to the wounded man. Then the Samaritan came and seeing the wounded man immediately had compassion on him. He went to him, washed his wounds and took him on his ass to an inn. He instructed them to take care of the wounded man at his expense.

Jesus commended the action of the Samaritan, who took care and paid the hospital bills of the wounded man. The lawyer clearly understood from the story that the Samaritan was a good neighbour. Jesus expects all His friends to be like the Good Samaritan because he showed love and care to the wounded man. However, if you are still a sinner you cannot love God with all your heart, soul and strength. Until you have the new birth experience, you cannot love God and your neighbour.

For the sinner to possess the love for God and for the neighbours around him, he must first realise and accept that he is a sinner; confess to God all the bad things he has done, repent of them, ask Jesus for forgiveness and cleansing in His blood. He must ask Jesus to come into his heart and be his Saviour, Lord and Friend. Believe that He has saved you and continue in fellowship with other friends of Jesus. The new birth experience will grant you the power to become a child of God and grace to love your neighbours as yourself.

 

2.SAINTS’ RESPONSIBILITY TO NEIGHBOURS:

Luke 10:29-42; Ezekiel 3:17-21; Matthew 25:31-46; Romans 13:8-10; 1 John 4:7-21

From the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus is drawing the attention of all His friends to their duties and responsibilities to their neighbours. A neighbour is somebody living near you. They may be sinners or friends of Jesus. In the present day of advanced technology in communication, our neighborhood has extended to cover the whole world. Our neighbours now include any person living near you or anyone you come across on your way, or you can interact with either by phone, text messages or email. Friends of Jesus are saved to serve as watchmen over their neighbours. God is commanding all born again boys and girls to love their neighbours as themselves. When you will appear before the judgment seat of Christ, you will not only give account of your soul but also of your duties and responsibilities to your neighbours. Let us examine some of our duties and responsibilities to our neighbours:

1. Showing concern for the salvation of their souls and giving them warning against sin (Ezekiel 3:17-21).
2. Share the good news of salvation with them and lead them to become friends of Jesus.
3. Rescuing them from Satan, the thief, by interceding on their behalf for their salvation, healing and deliverance (1 Timothy 2:1-4; Romans 10: 1)
4. Inviting them to fellowship and church programmes (Luke 14:23).
5. Giving to the needy as much as you can (1 John 3:17).
6. Assisting them in their homework
7. Visiting and praying with children who are sick, or who failed an examination.

The Priest and the Levite, though very righteous outwardly and were respected leaders, refused to show love, kindness, pity and compassion on the man that fell among thieves on his way from Jerusalem to Jericho. This unconcerned attitude and action are condemned by Christ in Matthew 25: 41- 45. The parable also helps us to know and understand the depth of love God has shown to us by sending Jesus to save, redeem and deliver us from the power of sin and Satan. Jesus calls us to accept His love and also show the same to others. The command is, “... Go and do thou likewise” (Luke 10:37).

 

3.SUNDRY LESSONS FROM THE PARABLE:

Luke 10:28,37-42; 1 Corinthians 15:58; Matthew 25:34; Revelation 22:12

There are many lessons that you can learn from this story. Firstly, you should never look down on others like the priest and the Levites did. Rather, associate and identify with those who are in need and help them find a solution to their need if you can. For instance, you can assist your friends in their school work by teaching them to understand difficult subjects, copy notes for a sick friend. Secondly, you should never be too holy not to associate with other children who are not members of your fellowship. Thirdly, you must be concerned about the affairs of other children who may be orphans. Fourthly, you should daily pray for grace to live like Jesus. Fifthly, through love and care, friends of Jesus can bring other people to believe in Jesus too. ‘Obedience is the very best way to show that you believe.’ Every faithful service, to our neighbours, rendered in love and with compassion will receive rewards now and in eternity. There are other blessings for the faithful who obey this command of Jesus. There must be genuine salvation, and love for the word of God. Mary chose that which is needful by sitting with Jesus to listen to the word of life. As you hear the word of God, also put it into practice, and your service will be rewarded.

 

QUESTIONS:

1. What was the question that the lawyer asked Jesus? 

2. How did Jesus answer the lawyer’s question?

3. Jesus wants us to follow the good example of the_____________________

4. Mention three things you can do for your neighbours. 

5. Can a sinner render acceptable service to God? Yes/No?

6. What should a sinner do to render acceptable service?

 

MEMORY VERSE: “Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise” (Luke 10:36,37).

LESSON: Jesus wants all His friends to show love and kindness to others.

THOUGHT: I will always show love and compassion on everyone I come across.

ACTIVITY: From Matthew 25:34-40, mention practical ways of showing compassion and deeds of kindness to others.

CONGREGATIONAL SONG: GHS 117 SHOW A LITTLE BIT OF LOVE AND KINDNESS

CHORUSES:

(1) Give me love for my brethren

(2) Jesus loves the little children

(3) Jesus loves me, He died for me.

HOMEWORK: Children are to demonstrate compassion on their neighbors by preaching the gospel to them and visiting others.

BIBLE WORD SEARCH

Find out the meaning of these words. You can use your dictionary: 

1. Responsibilities 
2. Victim 
3. Redeem 
4. Neighborhood 
5. Compassion