The Good Samaritan for Kids: A Simple Lesson on Kindness

The parables of Jesus are simple stories with powerful lessons—and one of the most famous is the parable of the Good Samaritan. For children, this story is a wonderful way to learn what kindness looks like in action. Teaching it doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right words and a few creative ideas, the Good Samaritan can become a lesson kids will never forget.

The Story in Simple Words

Jesus told this story when someone asked Him, “Who is my neighbor?”

A man was walking down a road when robbers attacked him. They hurt him and left him lying there. A priest passed by, then another religious man—but neither of them stopped to help. Finally, a Samaritan man came along. Even though Samaritans and Jews didn’t usually get along, he had compassion. He cleaned the man’s wounds, put him on his donkey, and took him to an inn where he could rest and heal.

Jesus ended the story by saying, “Go and do the same.”

Lessons for Children

The parable is short, but it holds big truths that children can understand:

• Kindness is active – It’s not just feeling sorry for someone; it’s choosing to help.

• Everyone is our neighbor – We should care for all people, not just our friends.

• Small actions matter – Even simple help, like sharing or comforting, reflects God’s love.

Practical Ways to Teach Kindness at Home

• Role-play the story – Act it out with simple props like a blanket or toy donkey.

• Color the parable – Use a coloring page of the Good Samaritan to spark discussion.

• Kindness jar – Write down kind acts your child does each week and read them together.

• Talk during bedtime – Ask, “How were you a Good Samaritan today?” to encourage reflection.

Why This Parable Matters Today

Children live in a world where kindness is sometimes overlooked. Teaching them the Good Samaritan shows that love and compassion are always possible, even when people are different. It also gives them a practical example of how faith is not just about knowing stories but living them out.

A Helpful Resource for Families

Our Coloring with Jesus series includes well-known parables like The Good Samaritan, retold in simple words with coloring pages to make the lessons fun and memorable. Try a free sample page here on Lessons through his parables 1, or explore the full series on Amazon to begin teaching kindness and other values through creative family activities.