Good Samaritan Helper Game

Jesus told a story about a man who was hurt on a road. Two people walked by without helping. Then a man from Samaria stopped, cared for him and made sure he was safe.

Jesus ended the story by asking who was a good neighbour. The answer was the one who showed mercy. This game helps everyone practise being a helper.

Verse to remember (Luke 10:37): Jesus told the man to go and do the same, showing mercy to others.

1. Sit in a circle. The leader tells the story in four short parts: the road, the hurt traveller, the two who walked by, and the Samaritan who helped.
2. Choose four volunteers to act each part with simple actions and no talking.
3. After the acting, the leader says "Who was the good neighbour?" and the group answers together.
4. Now the leader gives a kindness card idea out loud, such as "Hold the door", "Share a snack", "Say something kind" or "Help carry a bag".
5. Players take turns miming one kind action, and the group guesses what it is.
6. End when everyone has had one turn.

How it ends: Remind everyone that a neighbour is anyone who needs help. Ask each person to think of one kind act they can do this week.

Leader can say: “Being a good neighbour is something we can do every day, in small ways.”

For little ones: Let little ones act with a helper or choose a simple action like waving, hugging a teddy or giving a pretend cup of water.

For teens and adults: Older players can talk about people they might not usually help, and what it means to show mercy in school, work or the neighbourhood.

Safety: Keep the acting gentle. The "hurt traveller" only lies down and rests, with no pretend fighting. Nobody is forced to act.

After the game, sit together and ask:

• Why do you think the first two people walked by?
• How did the Samaritan show he cared?
• Who is a neighbour who needs help this week?

• Bible Charades Relay: Two teams act out Bible people and stories with no talking.
• Peace, Be Still: Act out wind, waves and thunder, then freeze when Jesus calms the storm.
• All Bible games for church