The Good Samaritan

8 Puppets:

Dad: A wise, kind older teacher who enjoys explaining Jesus’ stories. (Suggest: Puppet with glasses, gray hair or beard, gentle voice.)
Son: Curious, energetic, asks lots of questions.
Traveler: The man who is attacked on the road.
Robber(s): Sneaky and rough characters.
Priest: Religious leader who passes by.
Levite: Another religious helper who also passes by.
Samaritan: A kind traveler who chooses to help.
Innkeeper: The person who runs the inn.

Note: Can be done with 5 puppeteers switching the priest, levite, innkeeper and even a donkey.

DIALOG

Dad: Alright, son, it’s story time. Today I want to tell you about a story Jesus told when someone asked Him an important question: “Who is my neighbor?”

Son: Oh! I know my neighbors. They live next door!

Dad: That’s true. But Jesus wanted to show that being a neighbor is about something deeper.

Son: Hmm… okay, I’m listening.

Dad: A man was traveling down a very dangerous road from Jerusalem to Jericho.

(Traveler puppet appears walking along.)

Traveler: What a long road… but I must keep going.

(Robbers jump out.)

Robber 1: Stop right there!

Robber 2: Hand over your money!

Traveler: Wait! Please don't hurt me!

Robber 1: Too late!

(Robbers pretend to take things.)

Robber 2: Take his money and his clothes!

Traveler: Help! Someone help me!

(Robbers beat him up and run away.)

Son: Oh no! They hurt him!

Dad: Yes. They beat him up and left him on the side of the road.

Traveler: (weak voice) Is anyone there…? I need help…

Son: Somebody should call 9-1-1!

Dad: Well, first a priest came walking down the road.

(Priest puppet enters.)

Priest: Hmm… what is that over there?

Traveler: Please… help me…

Priest: Oh dear… I am very busy today. I must get to the temple.

(Priest moves to the other side.)

Priest: I’ll just go this way…

Son: What?! He didn’t help!

Dad: That’s right. Then another man came along—a Levite

(Levite puppet enters.)

Levite: Oh my… someone is hurt.

Traveler: Please… I can’t move…

Levite: This looks like trouble. I should keep walking.

(Levite walks away.)

Son: That’s terrible! Two people saw him and didn’t help!

Dad: But then someone else came along.

(Samaritan puppet enters.)

Samaritan: What happened here?

Traveler: Robbers attacked me… I can’t stand…

Son: Wait… who is that?

Dad: A Samaritan. In those days, many people didn’t like Samaritans.

Son: So he probably won’t help either.

Dad: Let’s see.

Samaritan: Oh no! You are badly hurt. Don’t worry, I will help you.. Let me clean your wounds and wrap them.

(Pretends to bandage.)

Traveler: Thank you…

Samaritan: There. Now climb onto my donkey. I will take you somewhere safe.

Son: Wow! He’s really helping!

Dad: The Samaritan took the man to an inn.

(Innkeeper puppet appears.)

Innkeeper: Welcome! What can I do for you?

Samaritan: This man was attacked. Please give him a room and take care of him.

Innkeeper: Of course.

Samaritan: Here is some money. If it costs more, I will pay you when I return.

Innkeeper: That is very kind of you.

Traveler: Thank you for saving me.

Son: Wow… the person nobody expected was the hero!

Dad: Exactly. Jesus asked, “Who was the real neighbor to the hurt man?”

Son: The Samaritan! Because he showed kindness.

Dad: That’s right. Being a neighbor means showing mercy to anyone who needs help.

Son: Even if they’re different from us?

Dad: Especially then.

Son: So if I see someone who needs help… I should help them?

Dad: Yes. That’s what Jesus taught.

Samaritan: Kindness makes the world better.

Son: I want to be a good neighbor too!

Dad: That’s the spirit. Now let’s go see if we can help someone today.

Son: Let’s do it!

(All puppets exit.)