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Human Care Spiritual Resources

WHO IS MY NEIGHBOR?
A sketch based on Luke 10:25-37

Characters:  Narrator and four women

Narrator:  Jesus told a parable one day to teach a young lawyer who had asked, “Who is my neighbor?” This sketch will retell that parable using a modern-day example of that same query. When Jesus told the lawyer the parable, the lawyer was to answer his own question. Jesus used the teaching story of the “Good Samaritan.”  As the parable is read in parts throughout the skit, think about this same question.

The sketch opens with a woman sitting, dejected, discouraged and crying.

Narrator:  There was this woman who had been beaten and wounded by life. She may have recently become a widow, lost a child, been shunned by her friends, fought with her husband, contemplated divorce, or felt extremely lonely and useless. No matter what life had given her, she was hurting. She needed help. Who would be her neighbor and friend?

Enter Neighbor #1. She immediately notices her neighbor’s tears. She goes over and puts her arm around the lady.

Neighbor #1:  Look, I’ve felt like you, too. I’ve cried and been so upset. I know just how you feel.  It’s an awful feeling, believe me, I know. Once I cried and moped around for a week. I really can sympathize with your. Why, if I were you, I’d try to get out. Just being away for a while makes one feel better. In fact, I took a trip to Chicago. I don’t know if I ever told you about this trip. I really forced myself to go, but it did me a world of good.  The train trip was so nice, even though there were so many people. And I had to stand part of the way. But just getting away was good. You really should get away. Take my advice. I know. (pause) You look just morbid. How about smiling a little, huh? You certainly aren’t helping yourself looking that way. It’s just amazing what a smile can do, and talking with someone really helped me. What’s on your mind? Why are you so blue?

Woman:  Well, I just feel ... (interrupted by Neighbor #1)

Neighbor #1:  I know how that is! It seems no one is concerned about others these days.  Everyone is always hurrying and so busy. There never seems to be time to stop and talk and listen. I’m so glad I could stop and visit with you today.

Woman:  (sniffing)  I just don’t know what to ... (interrupted by Neighbor #1)

Neighbor #1:  It sure does seem in my life that troubles never end. I know how lost you feel. There’s always a brighter day, though. Believe me, I know. Now you start being positive! Get yourself out of this house, and visit someone. Smile a little. Oh my, (looks at watch) look at the time! I must hurry! You know how that is. Nice talking with you!  (exit)

Narrator:  “Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.” (Luke 10:31) This last friend actually passed by the hurting person. She was always the authority, but never the listener and healer. 

Enter Neighbor #2. She looks at her friend crying. Then goes and looks out the window.

Neighbor #2:  My, what a beautiful day outside. It just seems ages since we’ve had a nice day. I was going downtown to a sale and just thought I’d stop by for a few minutes. Is that a new dress? (admires woman’s dress) It sure looks nice on you. (suddenly sees tears) Why, you’re crying. Now, dear, what’s the problem: It can’t be all that bad on such a beautiful day. Are you sick? Can I call a doctor for you? I go to a very nice doctor; maybe you should try him. In fact, I was just there last week. We had such a nice visit.  My doctor always has time to talk. Even though I had to wait a long time just to have my blood pressure checked. I enjoy my doctor. He had such nice magazines in his waiting room. Want me to make an appointment for you? I’d be glad to call.

Woman:  No, I’m feeling fine. Just that these days are so long; I really am upset with myself and my life. I guess I just need a good friend to talk to ...

Neighbor #2 admires flowers sitting on table.

Neighbor #2:  These certainly are beautiful flowers. Did you grow them? (looks out the window) My, the sky is blue today. It hasn’t been so nice in months. Oh, I’m sorry, what were you saying? (continues to look out the window)

Woman:  I just feel so down. Things don’t seem to get better. I’ve been so lonely. No one calls or stops by ...

Neighbor #2:  Speaking of calling—did you hear about Barbara receiving a call from St. Louis? She was so excited. I guess she won a trip. Sure wish something like that would happen to one of us. Wouldn’t that be nice?

Woman:  Yes, it would. But thinK I don’t feel like doing ... (interrupted by Neighbor #2)

Neighbor #2:  With so much going on I wouldn’t be able to go on any trip even if I did win one. Seems there is so much to do. After I go downtown, there is a meeting of our Mission Circle. Always something. Guess I’d better be on my way. Please call me sometime soon. (exit)

Narrator:  “So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.” (Luke 10: 32) And so our hurting friend was passed by again. She is still in need of someone to help her. This last person only looked on her neighbor—seeing her dress, but not her needs. She was obviously too occupied with her own needs and desires.

Enter Neighbor #3.  She notices her friend’s depression and tears at once. She goes over, sits down next to her and quietly begins to talk.

Neighbor #3:  It seems as if this is an unhappy day for you. It hurts me to see you so “down.” I know you’ve been through a lot lately, and it must be difficult to stay on top of things. It’s comforting to know that our Savior never lets us down. He understands our feelings. He promises to strengthen us and give us His peace.

Woman:  Thank you for reminding me of Jesus. It seems as if I really had forgotten His promises. I’ve been so lonely and upset. I just can’t get myself out of this state. I know I should go to the Savior, but it sometimes seems so useless.

Neighbor #3:  I apologize for not coming more often to visit and look in on you. I haven’t forgotten about you. You are in my daily prayers.

Woman:  That’s so good to hear. I was beginning to think that no one cared anymore.

Neighbor #3:  Even if it seems your friends are neglecting you, your Savior isn’t. He says, “I am with you always,” and He tells you to “cast all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you.” In our Mission Circle, we have been studying about a fulfilled life with Jesus. It’s been such an uplifting study. I have an idea; why don’t you come with me tonight? We’ll stop for supper and then go to the meeting. Perhaps you will even decide to come with me from now on.

Woman:  You’ve been so kind to listen and remind me of my Savior’s love. I think I would enjoy going with you tonight. I can’t make any promises about next week, though.

Neighbor #3:  I’ll just be happy to have you come tonight. (pause) I’ll be in touch before next week’s study. Come on, let’s go to that little café, and, while we’re eating, I’ll fill you in on our study so far. I would be so happy to share what I’ve learned about my life with Jesus.

Both exit.

Narrator:  “But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him  The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, “Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.” Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” He said, “The one who showed him mercy.”  Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise!” (Luke 10: 33-37)

Who is your neighbor? Who is hurting from life? Can you help someone? Think back to the three women and how they dealt with a friend in need. Did you learn something? Are you ready to act? Remember the words of Jesus, “Go and do likewise!”

Prayer:  Dear Lord Jesus, You are indeed our greatest neighbor. You have given us the best example possible—You gave up Your life for us!

We ask that You would make us more aware of others and their needs. Make us sensitive to the feelings and wants of those around us. Forgive us for the times we have failed to be the neighbors we should have been.

Now may the Holy Spirit give us the courage and power to be that God-pleasing neighbor. Fill us with compassion, insight, and Your joy that we may care and share Your name. Amen. 

For the Bible study to accompany this skit, purchase a copy of With Care and Compassion (product available on CD or in book form from LWML)