Good Samaritan

I never wanted to be the good Samaritan, because in reality I am very weak. I never wanted to get stuck having to help others when I really am not qualified, or even able, or I am just to tired from my other duties to help this person. When we hear the story of the good Samaritan we praise him for all he did.

 In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. ³⁵ The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ - Luke 10:30-35

Have you ever noticed that while the good Samaritan helped the hurt man, he also handed the hurt man over to someone else. The good Samaritan couldn't do everything the man needed. Let that sink in. The good Samaritan for reasons not explained in the Bible has to leave the man in another person's hands.
Let us play the maybe game. The good Samaritan had to leave because...

... of previous commitments.

...of work.

...needed to attend to his family.

All noble reasons to have to walk away, but in reality did the good Samaritan really walk away completely. No, he promised to check in. Even though he was no longer there, he didn't put the hurt man out of his mind. No, he paid for the innkeeper to be taken care of  the man. He left the man in capable hands.

We can't save the world and this parable points to the need to help others, but also to know our limitations. When we have to walk away, we can still show concern and check up on the person. This is no excuse to hand off everybody who needs help. If that person needs help and you have the knowledge, talent, and ability then you are the person to help them. By helping them you will reap the blessings, even if you don't see the blessings until you are in Heaven.

So now I understand the good Samaritan knew his limitations and kept with them. He didn't try to force himself to do anything he wasn't capable of doing. Yet he made sure the injured man was taken care of. So remember to love God with everything you have and love your neighbor as yourself. As Jesus says this is the way of life.

He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.” - Luke 10:27-28