The Samaritan Pays for Care

Luke 10:25-37

The Big Idea

Mercy means noticing someone’s need and taking caring, practical action. We can seek safe help and treat people with compassion.

The Bible Story

The Good Samaritan

In Luke 10:25–37, Jesus tells the parable of a man attacked while traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho. After a priest and a Levite see him and pass by, a Samaritan has compassion. He binds the man’s wounds, pours on oil and wine, places him on his own animal, brings him to an inn, and cares for him. The next day, the Samaritan gives the innkeeper two denarii and promises to repay any additional cost. Jesus asks who acted as a neighbor. The law expert answers, “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus tells him, “You go, and do likewise.” The parable teaches mercy expressed through practical action and compassion toward a person in need. It also shows a Samaritan crossing a social boundary to help someone who needed care.

Themes

Compassion toward a person in need Crossing social boundaries Doing, rather than merely knowing, what is right Loving God and one’s neighbor Mercy expressed through practical action

Bible moment

The Bible moment

Look closely

What children can notice

At the inn, the Samaritan gives two denarii to the innkeeper and gestures toward the resting traveler, showing generosity and a promise of continued care. The coins should be visible but not exaggerated.

Talk together

Talk about it

How did the Samaritan continue caring for the traveler?
What is one safe way to show mercy to someone in need?

For families, church, and class

Use this page

Use this page with Luke 10:25–37 when teaching compassion, practical kindness, or loving one’s neighbor. Invite children to notice the Samaritan’s continued care, then discuss safe ways to help others with trusted adults. Avoid graphic descriptions and avoid suggesting why the priest or Levite passed by.

Source note