Introduction: Why This Matters
Have you ever seen someone in need and wondered if you should help? Maybe it was someone sitting alone at lunch, someone struggling in class, or even a stranger who needed kindness. Jesus told the story of the Good Samaritan to show us what it truly means to love others, even when it’s inconvenient.
Today, we’ll explore this parable and learn how we can love like Jesus by putting others before ourselves.
1. Bible Reading: Luke 10:25-29
“On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. ‘Teacher,’ he asked, ‘what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ ‘What is written in the Law?’ Jesus replied. ‘How do you read it?’ He answered, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ‘You have answered correctly,’ Jesus replied. ‘Do this and you will live.’ But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbor?'”
Explanation For Teenagers
The religious leader knew the right answer but wanted to make excuses. He wanted to know if there were limits on who he had to love.
Jesus challenged him (and us) to think beyond just loving our friends or people like us.
Being a follower of Jesus means loving everyone—no exceptions.
Youth Group Discussion Questions
- Why do you think the religious leader asked, “Who is my neighbor?”
- Are there people you find hard to love? Why?
- How can we start seeing people the way Jesus does?
2. Bible Reading: Luke 10:30-37
“Jesus said: ‘A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, 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. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him.'”
Explanation For Teenagers
The priest and the Levite were religious leaders, but they ignored the man in need.
The Samaritan was from a group that was hated by Jews at the time—yet he was the one who showed love and kindness.
Jesus used this example to show that loving others means action, not just words.
Youth Group Discussion Questions
- Why do you think the priest and Levite ignored the man who needed help?
- What made the Samaritan different?
- What does this parable teach us about showing kindness, even to people we might not get along with?
Youth Group Game: “Acting Out Kindness”
What You’ll Need:
- Scenario cards with different situations (e.g., “Someone drops their books in the hallway,” “A new kid is sitting alone at lunch,” “Your friend is upset and needs encouragement”).
- A small stage or space for acting.
How to Play:
- Split the group into small teams.
- Each team picks a scenario and acts out two versions: one where the person ignores the need and one where they show kindness.
- Discuss as a group which response reflects Jesus’ teaching and how they can apply it in real life.
Debrief
- How did it feel to act out both ignoring and helping someone?
- What can hold us back from helping others in real life?
- What’s one way you can show kindness this week?
Closing Prayer
Lord, thank You for teaching us what it means to love like You do. Help us to see others the way You see them and to step out in kindness, even when it’s inconvenient. Give us the courage to love not just with words, but with actions. In Jesus’ name, Amen.