Serve like the Good Samaritan

Lord Jesus invited Himself to the home of Zacchaeus. (Luke 19:5) There are opportunities when people invite gospel preachers to share. However, there are many occasions when the gospel preacher should take the initiative. Lord borrowed the boat of Simon Peter and taught to the people in the shore of the Sea of Galilee. (Luke 5:1-11) The Good Samaritan parable provides some useful insights. (Luke 10:25-37)

Serve without invitation: The man who traveled from Jerusalem to Jericho was waylaid by robbers, looted, beaten up and left half-dead. A priest and a Levite saw the man but just walked off. Perhaps they could have taken a selfie and updated their social media status. The Good Samaritan perhaps heard the man groaning and saw him lying unconscious. The dying man did not have the strength or stamina to call out the Samaritan. Without being invited, the Samaritan was there.

Serve in risky context: The man was dying; the wounds were fresh, perhaps bleeding too. That means the attackers were not far off. They can come back knowing a rich man is in the same spot. The Samaritan was exposed to physical attack. Sharing the gospel and serving the needy is an insult to many and could be attacked. Undoubtedly, Satan would like to instigate some of his unrighteous instruments to attack.

Serve meeting the need: The Samaritan did not ask why he was careless. He immediately began first aid, bandaging the wounds with antiseptic and helping him to gain consciousness. Helping to fulfill the people's immediate needs and creating a thirst for their spiritual needs is a good method for the mission.

Serve as a shepherd: The Samaritan had a shepherd’s heart. His heart was broken when he saw the dying man. He extended practical medical care and took him to the city for further care.

Serve sacrificially: The Samaritan had to lose his time when he stopped to help. He had to spend his things to bandage the man, use his donkey to transport and pay for his care in the Inn.

How do I serve Him?