Want to go deeper? Optional background resources for teachers and students are on the last 2 slides
The Vergennes Congregational Church
Lenten Journey Program
Presents
The Parable of the Good Samaritan
Luke 10:25-37
The Gathering
Whether we gather in person or virtually, every time we come together to study God’s Word we are choosing to step away from the busyness of the world and into a sacred space. We now mark that transition and invite the Spirit’s presence with the following:
1) We renew our relationships by catching up with some brief conversation. Perhaps we can each share the “highs” and “lows” of our past week.
2) We transform our gathering space and emphasize the spiritual nature of our time together by lighting a candle.
3) Jesus promised that where two or more gathered in His name, he will be there among us. We invite His presence by opening and closing with a simple prayer.
For Older Students
If you are in middle school, you might want to challenge yourself by reading the bible passage on the next two slides before listening to the story version. Otherwise, skip ahead to the Story Introduction slide.
The Parable of the Good Samaritan
Luke 10:25-37
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But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.
The Parable of the Good Samaritan
Luke 10:25-37
Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he said, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the law? What do you read there?” He answered, “You shall 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 your neighbor as yourself.” And he said to him, “You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live.”
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But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, ‘Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.’ Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”
Bible Story Introduction
Here are some words written by Wendy Coughlan, who is going to tell you today’s Bible story. Let me read it to you.
“Two summers ago, my good friend Jeanne had a bike accident on the street in Anchorage where she lives. She was knocked out when her head hit the pavement. She woke up to find that people she did not know were taking care of her, someone had called an ambulance, and someone had safely stowed her bike, all while she was unconscious. People she didn't know had seen her crash and had stopped to help her. ”
Let’s listen to the story of “The Parable of the Good Samaritan” together. This story is from the book of Luke, Chapter 10, Verses 25-37
“The Parable of the Good Samaritan”
Narrated by Wendy Coughlan
“What do you think?”
Click here when you’re ready for the next question.
2. What do you think the first two travelers were feeling? What would the Samaritan have been feeling?
Click here when you’re ready for the next question.
“What do you think?”
3. Have you ever walked by someone in need?
Click here when you’re ready for the next question.
4. Did you ever turn around and go back to help someone?
Click here when you’re ready for the next question.
5. Have you ever just stopped to help?
“What do you think?”
6. If you are a 5th grader or older, and you would like a challenge, write a contemporary version of this story.
7. Do you know about the Good Samaritan Law that we have today which stems from this story?
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Now, let’s listen to the Eagles sing about loving someone
so that they are never alone.
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Say goodbye to all your pain and sorrow
Say goodbye to all those lonely nights
Say goodbye to all your blue tomorrows
Now, you're standin' in the light
I know sometimes you feel so helpless
Sometimes you feel like you can't win
Sometimes you feel so isolated
You'll never have to feel that way again
You are not alone
You're not alone
I never thought I'd find the road to freedom
I never thought I'd see you smile again
Never thought I'd have the chance to tell you
That I will always be your friend
You are not alone
You're not alone
The Sending Forth
Just as we mark the transition from our daily doings into our encounter with God’s Word and Holy Spirit in our gathering, so we mark the closure of our time together and our return to our daily routines. We can give thanks to God and mark that transition as follows.
1. We start our turn to closure by each sharing what we found most interesting, puzzling, or powerful in today’s lesson.
3. We mark the close of our time together by extinguishing the candle we lit when we began.
2. We give God thanks by offering a simple prayer. Each member of our group can offer a simple prayer request. After each request we say, “Lord hear our prayer” in unison. We then close by saying the Lord’s Prayer.
Mia and Savvy, Co-Founders of “God’s Story: Our Story,”
Say
Great Job!!!!
And the Crowd Goes Wild!!! Take a Bow!!!
Want to go deeper?
Check out the following optional enrichment resources and background materials for teachers and students from the Yale Bible Study Program and elsewhere.
Preparing to Teach
Would you like other options?
Want to read the story yourself to your audience? Here is a link to a version of the story that you can print:
Would your student(s) do better with an animated video version of the story? Here is a link:
An Animated Version of the Parable of the Good Samaritan
Would they do better with a cinematic video version of the temptation story?
Here is a link:
Preparing to Teach
Resources and background materials for teachers and students from the Yale Bible Study Program and elsewhere
Watch this:
Read these:
Dean Harry Attridge and Academic Dean David Bartlett discuss the teachings of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke.