In Mark 2:15–17 Jesus had dinner at Levi’s house with tax collectors and sinners, much to the chagrin of the religious leaders. Why would Jesus socialize with such sinners? Why would anyone invest time, energy, or interest in those whom society despised for being traitors to their beloved homeland? Not only had tax collectors defected to oppressive Rome by collecting its taxes but also they had overcharged their own people to enrich themselves. Jesus saw beyond their culture of cheating. He saw them not for what they were but for what they could become. However, he also was very aware that he had nothing to offer the self-righteous or self-satisfied. Only self-confessed sinners and those hungry for transformation were candidates for his enterprise. Serving leaders do not waste their time attempting to convince the arrogant and self-fulfilled to participate in their mission. They invest in those open to truth and willing to change.

Lead, love, and serve, like Jesus!

KEY QUESTIONS: What types of people do I typically avoid? With whom do I find it easy to spend time or make an investment of energy and resources? Do I typically see people for how far they’ve come or for how far they still need to go? Are both necessary? If so, why?