In Mark 1:40–42 Jesus healed a leper after being asked if he was willing to help. He certainly was willing to heal the man; in fact, Jesus reached out and touched him, something that would have made him instantly unclean. He was setting a precedent for what he would do in taking on the sins of the entire world, becoming a curse by hanging on a cross to destroy the curse against humanity. The leper was cured and relieved of the stigma attached to his former condition. The text notes that Jesus was indignant. Perhaps he was upset with the ravages of disease or the unfair quarantine that society imposed on lepers. Serving leaders are willing to get involved in difficult situations, even to the point of being unfairly criticized, for the benefit of others. Motivated by compassion, they serve the outcast and delinquent regardless of any sentiment that it may be an unwise use of their time or resources.

KEY QUESTIONS: Have I ever done the right thing at the risk of being incorrectly perceived by others? If so, what was the long-term outcome of what I did? Do I ever experience righteous indignation/anger toward injustices committed around me? Am I willing to sacrifice time, energy, or resources by getting involved in righting the wrongs of the world?