The Good Samaritain from J Doss on Vimeo.

The Message

This week we talked about kindness and went over the story of the Good Samaritan. Our goal was not just to teach the kids how to be kind because, quite honestly, The Quest has some of the greatest and kindest kids I know. It was also meant to teach them to be kind on purpose, to look for opportunities to be kind. Much like the story, the religious leader was probably a very kind person…when people were there to see it. The church helper might have been a super kind person, when he was told to do so. But the man from Samaria, who saw an opportunity to give without any recognition or being told to do so gave out of his own pocket. There was no expectation to be paid back or the favor returned. This is who Jesus says our neighbor is.

Application

When we asked the kids, “who is your neighbor, one of the kids responded, “This crazy lady who lives next door to us”. Others responded similarly, but not quite as funny. The kids were asked to put themselves in place of the person needing help. the question was asked again, who is your neighbor. At that point they were able to recognize the Samaritan as a neighbor.
This week the kids have been given a handout to help them be purposeful in the kind choices they make. The instructions are easy.

I know what you are thinking, “if you are teaching to be kind without expecting a reward, why are you offering Quest Cash?”.  But the purpose is not expect the kids to live this out perfectly after one Sunday, but to motivate the kids to experience the natural rewards that come with living out a kind lifestyle.

Total Recall

This weeks Total Recall comes from Luke 10:28b (I put the (b) in there so the kids know it is the last half of a whole verse)

KIDS: Memorize this one.  Who knows, you may run into someone who needs help and could use a neighbor of their own.

(PARENTS: The kids were advised to always ask a family member or teacher before getting involved with helping others.)