Jason and the Muddy Shoes
Jason loved his school. It had bright classrooms, colorful posters, and the friendliest teachers. One day, during recess, it started to rain—hard. Everyone rushed inside, but not before tracking muddy footprints all over the hallways.
After lunch, Principal Harris made an announcement. “The hallways are a mess. If you’d like to help clean up, meet in the office after school. It’s volunteer only.”
Jason thought about playing his favorite video game with some friends after school; they usually play the game together online at 4 p.m. He also noticed some of his friends whispering and giggling about how they would never help clean up someone else’s mess.
As the final bell rang, Jason was about to leave when he saw Daniel, a quiet boy in his class, slipping on the wet floor. He dropped his backpack and papers flew everywhere. Other kids walked around him or laughed. No one stopped.
Jason hesitated. Then he remembered something he had heard in church: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Her pastor had told them the story of the Good Samaritan—the one who helped a stranger even when others wouldn’t.
Jason walked over, helped Daniel to his feet, and picked up his papers. “Are you okay?” he asked.
Daniel nodded. “Thanks,” he said quietly.
Instead of going home, Jason decided to stop by the office. A few students were helping with cleaning the floors, so Jason grabbed a mop.
Later that evening, when his mom asked what he did after school, Jason smiled. “I missed playing my video game, but I got to be like the Good Samaritan today.”
Moral: Jesus teaches us to love God with all our heart and to love our neighbor as ourselves. That means helping others, even when it’s not easy or fun, just like the Good Samaritan, and just like Jason.
Based on Luke 10:25-37.
