The Parable gives us the seven-step process of being engaged in a mission. (Luke 10:29-37)
1. Stopped:
Unlike the priest and the Levite, the Samaritan came where the dying man was and stopped. In rush hour, people ignore all distractions and continue with their journey of life. There is no time to stop, there are no minutes to waste. As a businessman, he also had ‘to do’ tasks, a next appointment, yet he stopped.
2. Had compassion:
The Jewish religious leaders had the command written in the sacred scrolls: Love your neighbor as yourself. Samaritan had that written in his heart, that he was moved with compassion.
3. Observed and touched:
The Samaritan did not get farther away, but nearer to the man in distress. He got down from the donkey, his mode of travel, and touched the bleeding man. There were no servants or helpers, he did it all by himself.
4. Cleansing and Bandage
The wound was cleansed with wine, which was anti-septic, applied soothing oil, and covered the injuries with a bandage. Wine and oil were expensive products he had for personal use but used them for a needy person. It is indeed a personal sacrifice.
5. Mounted the injured man:
After completing the first aid, he mounted the injured man on his donkey. The man was so weak that he could not walk by himself. The Samaritan had to walk alongside the donkey, holding on to the injured man, lest he fall.
6. Place of safety and care
The Samaritan brought the injured man to a place of safety, an inn. Now, the injured man is out of danger from robbers as well as from his bleeding wounds. The businessman stayed with the injured man for a day to make sure he recovered well.
7. Paid the price
The injured man was left with the innkeeper who was paid to take care until the Samaritan returned. He did not cause the injury and was in no way obliged to do that, yet he did.
How am I involved in the mission?