LJ & Family
The New Kid: A Bible Story for Kids About Kindness and Including Others
Episode 13 of LJ & Family, a free animated Christian cartoon for kids ages 3–10. Watch the 3:40 video together, then use the free family guide, Sunday school lesson plan and coloring page below.
The story
On Monday morning, a new boy named Mateo rolls into Ms Harper’s class in a wheelchair with bright blue wheels. Mateo waves at LJ, but LJ looks down at his desk. He wants to be friendly, but he doesn’t know what to say, and at recess he walks the other way. That evening Mom hugs him tight and reminds him that God made every person in His own image, and Mateo is wonderfully made, just like him. Dad tells LJ about his childhood friend Kevin, who talked with a stutter, and how he learned to see his friend, not the difference. The next day LJ takes a deep breath, walks over with his crayons and says, “Hi, I’m LJ. Do you like dinosaurs?” Soon LJ, Mateo and Marcus are drawing the biggest T. rex ever. Then Grandma tells Jesus’ story of the Good Samaritan, who didn’t walk past.
“So then, as we have opportunity, let’s do what is good toward all men, and especially toward those who are of the household of the faith.”Galatians 6:10 (WEB)
Talk about it and pray together
Talk about it
- Why did LJ look down at his desk when Mateo waved? Have you ever not known what to say?
- What did Dad learn from his friend Kevin? What does “see the friend, not the difference” mean?
- The Samaritan stopped to help. Who could you say hello to, or sit with, this week?
Pray together
God, thank You for making every person in Your image. Help me see the friend, not the difference. Give me courage to say hello to someone who is new or alone, and help me be a good neighbor like the Samaritan. Amen.
Free printables for this episode
Everything is free to print and share at home, in class or at church.
For parents
How do you help a child make friends with someone who seems different, like a classmate who uses a wheelchair? This episode gives you a gentle way to start that conversation. Watch it together, then ask the three questions above at dinner or bedtime.
A ready-to-teach Sunday school lesson about kindness and the Good Samaritan
The free lesson plan turns this video into a 30–45 minute lesson for children’s church or Sunday school: welcome question, the video, the Bible story, an activity, the memory verse and a closing prayer.
- Ages
- 3–10 (preschool to grade 4)
- Memory verse
- Galatians 6:10 (WEB)
- Bible story
- The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37)
- Theme
- Kindness, including others, seeing the friend, not the difference
- Video
- 3:40, free on YouTube
Save this lesson for later
Pin it to your Sunday school or family devotions board so it’s there when you need it.
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