This morning I’ve invited a special guest to join us, someone who has quite a story to tell. [Pull out costume and put on hat and blanket/cloak. Prepare to change your voice just a bit, and your manner, so as to be in character.]

Good morning. Thank you for allowing me to join you for a little while. I appreciate the opportunity to share this story. I tell you, sometimes I hardly believe it myself.

You see, I was on a journey. I had to go from my home in Jerusalem, over to Jericho. Oh, and I don’t mean the Jericho near here. No, both of these cities are very far from here. Anyhow, it was a long walk and along the way, something awful happened. I was attacked by robbers! They took everything I had and beat me up really bad. They kicked me and punched me till I fell down in a ditch by the side of the road. I think I must have passed out, because then I remember waking up all bruised and sore and bleeding. I could hardly sit up and I had no idea what I would do or how I would carry on. I cried out for help, but this was a desolate road and I doubted anyone would hear me.

But as I was lying there, I heard footsteps and saw a priest coming toward me. I felt hopeful, because priests are good people, but this man walked right on by as if I had not even been there. And then, more hope: a man, a temple priest – I could tell – came up the road. My people, the Hebrews, are friends with the temple priests, so I tried to call out to him and lift a hand towards him, but he quickened his step and walked right by without even glancing my way.

Now you are probably appalled already, but I haven’t even gotten to the most unbelievable part of the story. There I lay, all hope lost, at this point fading in and out of consciousness, when I felt a warm, gentle hand on my brow. It was gently wiping at the dust and blood on my face. I opened my eyes to see...to see...I can barely say it...A SAMARITAN!! [Say the word like it’s a foul taste in your mouth.] Can you believe it?! A Samaritan! My people, we HATE Samaritans! We can’t stand them! And… and… here was one of THEM… helping me!? I know, I know! Unbelieveable! But let me tell you more: This Samaritan tore off part of his shirt to bandage my wounds. He cleaned my wounds with oil and gave me water to drink. I was shocked and stunned by how kind and caring he was! Then he lifted me onto his donkey and carried me to an inn where he kept me and cared for me, truly, until I was healed.

Well, that’s my story. And I wouldn’t believe it myself unless it had happened to me. Samaritans. Who’da thunk it? Anyhow, thank you for your time. [Take off costume and return to your own voice.] Thank you for your respect and attention towards our guest. We’ll sing you on your way.

Notes

Props: simple costume such as a ratty, wide-brimmed hat and an old blanket for a cloak.