In Mark 1:29–34 Jesus inadvertently launched a healing campaign, starting with Simon’s mother-in-law. When her fever instantly disappeared, the news spread like a wildfire. The text notes that the whole town gathered at the door to be cured of various diseases and to have demons driven out. Jesus had certainly come to heal the world. But he had come to serve the best interests of people by revealing his authority over all sickness, whether spiritual, physical, mental, or emotional. By preventing the evil spirits from speaking about him, Jesus showed his ultimate authority and power. Their aim was to direct everyone exclusively toward the physical benefits they could receive from Christ. Jesus had come ultimately to serve the world by freeing it from sin’s guilt and power. Focusing only on the visible issues would have treated the symptoms of the world’s problem. Serving leaders must deal with the hidden, underlying issues for permanent change.

Lead, love, and serve, like Jesus!

KEY QUESTIONS: Am I ever seduced by what works in the short term but fails to achieve permanent change? When does personal ambition get in my way? What are some visible issues that have my attention that may be preventing me from dealing with real underlying issues? Why is it sometimes difficult to serve people with their best interests in mind?