Jesus wants to teach us about being merciful
To love one’s neighbor as oneself means that we care just as much whether the others have it good, as for myself. In this story, Jesus will teach us how important it is that we are good and caring towards those around us. And not just towards those we really like, but towards everyone. Jesus wants us to do that.
This theme is something that the children in the target group can easily understand after watching the film. Feel free to talk to the children about what they have seen and let them say in their own words what they learned from the parable, then they will remember it more easily and be reminded of it in their own lives.
Be ready to help others
In the film we meet Simon who hears Jesus tell the parable of the Good Samaritan. He gets so excited about the story that he runs home and passes on what he has heard to Sara and his mom.
Jesus tells about a Jewish man who is traveling, when he is suddenly attacked by robbers, and ends up bruised and beaten on the ground. Afterwards, both a Levite and a priest go by; these were important people at the time and were supposed to know a lot about God, but neither of them stopped to help the injured man. Finally, a Samaritan arrives, and Simon knows that the Samaritans are not very good friends with Jews. Nevertheless, the Samaritan chooses to show kindness and care. He helps the man, bandages his wounds and takes him to a place where he can stay until he gets better. hvor han kan bo til han blir bedre.
The children can also do this in their own lives. It’s about seeing how others have it and being ready to help whoever needs it. As a mentor, are you able to get a conversation going with the youngest children about this? The suggested questions can help get the conversation started.
Questions for discussion
Do you know what mercy is?
What did the Samaritan do right?
How can we show mercy towards other people?
Songs that go with the theme
AB 220 – I’ll be good
AB 35 – We read in our dear Bible
FMB 203: Though I’m small, but I long dear Lord
Bible verses that go with the theme
For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:14
Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them…” Matthew 7:12
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Matthew 5:7
