Opening Game
Love Your Neighbor Game
This is a simple and engaging activity that gets everyone moving and helps them connect with one another. The game works like musical chairs, where participants take turns calling out ways they connect with others. The person in the middle says, “Love your neighbor who…” and names something like “wears glasses” or “has a pet.” Everyone who matches the description moves to a new spot. The person left in the middle starts the next round.
The game is a great icebreaker to get everyone involved and thinking about what it means to “love your neighbor.” See the full instructions here.
That was fun! Games like that remind us that we all have things in common, even when we don’t realize it. Sometimes it’s easy to feel like we’re different from the people around us, but when we take the time to look, we see how much we share.
Now, let’s think a little deeper. Was it easy to notice some of those connections, like glasses or pets? What about things you can’t see right away? In real life, some people have struggles or feelings we don’t see. They might be hurting, lonely, or just needing a friend. That’s where the story of the Good Samaritan comes in.
Before we get to the story, let me ask you a few questions. Think about these for a moment:
- During the game, how did you feel when you had to move? What about when you were left in the middle?
- In real life, have you ever felt like the person in the middle—overlooked or out of place?
- How can games like this remind us to pay attention to others and see who might feel left out?
Just like in the game, real life challenges us to notice people. Sometimes it’s easy to miss those who need help. But Jesus wants us to see everyone as our neighbor—people we are called to love and care for. Let’s read the story of the Good Samaritan and see how Jesus teaches us to “love our neighbor” in a real and meaningful way.
Scripture Reading
Read Luke 10:25-37 (The Good Samaritan), which is the Gospel for the 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
There was a scholar of the law who stood up to test Jesus and said, “”Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?””
Jesus said to him, “”What is written in the law? How do you read it?””
He said in reply, “”You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.””
He replied to him, “”You have answered correctly; do this and you will live.””
But because he wished to justify himself, he said to Jesus, “”And who is my neighbor?””
Jesus replied, “”A man fell victim to robbers as he went down from Jerusalem to Jericho. They stripped and beat him and went off leaving him half-dead.
A priest happened to be going down that road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. Likewise a Levite came to the place, and when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side.
But a Samaritan traveler who came upon him was moved with compassion at the sight. He approached the victim, poured oil and wine over his wounds and bandaged them. Then he lifted him up on his own animal, took him to an inn, and cared for him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper with the instruction, ‘Take care of him. If you spend more than what I have given you, I shall repay you on my way back.’
Which of these three, in your opinion, was neighbor to the robbers’ victim?””
He answered, “”The one who treated him with mercy.””
Jesus said to him, “”Go and do likewise.””
Discussion
Let’s take a moment to talk about the story Jesus told about the Good Samaritan. Maybe you’ve heard it before, but let’s really dig in and see what it means for us today.
In the story, a man is traveling when he is attacked, robbed, and left on the side of the road, helpless and hurting. Then something surprising happens. Two people—a priest and a Levite—see him and walk right past. These are people who were supposed to know God’s law and do the right thing, but they didn’t stop to help. Maybe they were too busy. Maybe they thought someone else would come along. Whatever the reason, they chose to look the other way.
Then a Samaritan comes along. This is where the story gets interesting. Samaritans and Jews didn’t get along. People hearing Jesus tell this story probably thought the Samaritan would ignore the man, too. But instead, the Samaritan stops. He doesn’t just check on the man; he goes above and beyond. He takes care of his wounds, puts him on his own donkey, and pays for a place where the man can rest and recover. This Samaritan chose mercy, kindness, and action—even for someone who might have seen him as an enemy.
Now, let’s think about how this applies to your life. Who are the people around you who are hurting? Who feels left out, ignored, or unseen? Maybe it’s the kid who always eats alone at lunch. Maybe it’s someone who gets teased in class or someone who seems sad or overwhelmed. Maybe it’s a friend going through something hard, but no one is really paying attention.
It’s easy to be like the priest and the Levite. Maybe you feel too busy, too tired, or too unsure about what to say. Maybe you think, “Someone else will help.” Or maybe you’re afraid to stand out or get involved. But Jesus challenges us to do more. He calls us to be like the Samaritan. To notice the people who need help. To stop and choose kindness, even when it’s hard.
Being a Good Samaritan doesn’t always mean doing something big or dramatic. You don’t have to have all the answers, and you don’t need to fix everything. Sometimes it’s as simple as saying hello to someone who feels invisible, sitting next to someone who’s alone, or checking in with a friend who’s struggling. Small actions can change someone’s day—and sometimes their life.
The Samaritan didn’t stop to think about why the man was hurting. He didn’t ask if the man deserved his help. He just chose to act. That’s what Jesus is asking of us. He wants us to be the kind of people who show love, mercy, and compassion to everyone, even when it’s inconvenient or uncomfortable.
Jesus’ words are clear: “Go and do likewise.” When we choose kindness, we are choosing to live the way Jesus calls us to. We are choosing to love our neighbor, no matter who they are. And in doing that, we share God’s love in the world.
Small Group Reflection Questions
Divide your group into smaller groups to share their thoughts on the Good Samaritan story. Encourage students to be open and respectful, and remind them that everyone’s perspective is valuable. If someone doesn’t want to share, that’s okay too.
- Why do you think the priest and the Levite walked past the hurt man?
- Who are the people in your life who might feel ignored, left out, or “on the side of the road”?
- What are some small ways you can show kindness to others this week?
- Have you ever been in a situation where you needed help, and someone stepped up? How did that feel?
- Why do you think Jesus chose a Samaritan as the hero of this story?
- What stops us from helping people sometimes? Is it fear, busyness, or something else?
- What does Jesus mean when He says, “Go and do likewise”? How can we live that out in our lives?
Challenge
This week, I want you to really look around and notice the people in your life. Who might be feeling left out, hurt, or alone? Maybe it’s the kid at school who sits by themselves, or someone who always seems quiet and overlooked. It could be someone in your family who needs a little extra care or even someone you don’t know very well—a neighbor, a classmate, or a stranger. Don’t assume someone else will step in. Jesus is asking you to be the one who chooses to act with kindness and mercy, just like the Good Samaritan.
Don’t let fear or busyness hold you back. It’s easy to think you don’t have time or that you won’t make a difference. But even small actions—like offering a smile, asking someone how they’re doing, or listening when someone needs to talk—can change someone’s day. Jesus tells us, “Go and do likewise.” That’s not just a suggestion; it’s a challenge. This week, be brave. Take a moment to stop and help someone who needs you. When you do, you’re living out your faith and sharing God’s love with the world.
Prayer
Loving God,
Thank You for the story of the Good Samaritan, which teaches us to see others with Your eyes. Help us to notice those who are hurting, lonely, or in need. Give us the courage to stop, show kindness, and take action, even when it feels hard or uncomfortable.
Fill our hearts with Your love so we can share it with the world. Teach us to be Your hands and feet, bringing mercy and hope to everyone we meet.
We ask this in the name of your Son Jesus.
Amen.
More Resources
For more information, see https://young-catholics.com/70730/good-samaritan-lesson-plan/