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People In Mission
The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:29-37) The story of the Good Samaritan offers a useful way of thinking about how we do missions. Jesus uses it to describe who a neighbour is. Mission, especially cross-cultural mission, is often about going into another culture in order to demonstrate the love of God by sharing in life experiences and situations with others. We are able to bring to life what it means to love and serve God when we live close to others and share in their joys and difficulties, sharing Christ along the way.There are four levels of engagement which this story illustrates. 1. Recognizing the need The Good Samaritan, unlike the others, was able to see that there was an issue that required a response. His schedule, skills, tools or level of preparedness were not important. The most important thing was that there was a need before him. 2. Immediate response He acted immediately using tools which he had on hand to meet the need. He wasn't constrained by resources but rather adapted what he had to the situation. 3. Working with others When he had done enough to stabilize the wounded man, he sought the help of others. He saw that he could only do so much and wisely determined to seek help. 4. Commitment for the long term He made a commitment to see the wounded man restored to full health. He risked leaving an open tab with an innkeeper he probably hardly knew to ensure there were no barriers to the man getting the help he needed to recover. |
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