“ Jesus commanded them not to tell anyone. But the more he did so, the more they kept talking about it. People were overwhelmed with amazement. ‘He has done everything well,’ they said. ‘He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.’” (Mark 7:36-37)

In Mark 7:36–37 the crowds responded in amazement at Jesus’ healing touch. “He has done everything well,” they remarked. Proper leadership motivation gains the respect of others. Serving leaders do small things for the good of others away from the public eye. They do well when they follow Christ’s example. Leadership is also not done at a distance. In the incarnation, God no longer communicated from a remote location; he was Immanuel —Jesus with people. The Great Physician made “house calls.” He touched them, loved them, and served them in close proximity. God became man through Jesus to reconcile humanity back to himself. Serving leaders build credibility when they get close and touch people. Those who prefer to keep their distance instead of being with their people are typically serving themselves, not others. Jesus did everything well by coming close, touching to heal, and serving without fanfare.

KEY QUESTIONS: How could I be more intentional in being with people? In which situations could I serve without fanfare, leading away from the public eye? Who today needs me to ‘touch’ them, love them, and serve them?