1 Kings 12:26-32; 13:33-34
Psalm 106:6-7, 19-22
Mark 8:1-10
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LEAD LIKE JESUS
"Whoever desired it was consecrated and became a priest of the high places." —1 Kings 13:33
Two leadership styles are contrasted in today’s Mass readings. Jeroboam’s motivation as a leader was self-centered; he wanted to preserve his power (1 Kgs 12:26ff). He had little interest in the welfare of his people. In contrast, Jesus was motivated by a selfless compassion for His people, concerned for their welfare rather than His own convenience (Mk 8:2ff).
Jeroboam believed that if he made worship convenient for the people, they would “forget” true worship of God and focus on convenience. Jesus focused on pleasing His Father and leading His people to a deeper knowledge of the kingdom of God by His teaching and preaching. Yet He also cared about satisfying legitimate human needs, such as hunger (Mk 8:6ff).
Each of us is called to leadership in some way, whether big or small. Authentic Christian leaders are called by the Lord to lay down their lives for their sheep (see 1 Jn 3:16). Will we focus on pleasing the Father and leading as Jesus leads? Will we die to ourselves and take up the cross of leadership? (see Lk 9:23) Will we decrease so that Jesus can increase? (Jn 3:30)
Prayer: Father, do in me whatever You must in order that You may do through me whatever You will.
Promise: "The people in the crowd ate until they had their fill." —Mk 8:8
Praise: Marsha and Curt took on the leadership of a large Catholic conference as an act of sacrificial faith. God enabled them to serve in this way for over a decade. This strengthened their faith and marriage as they ministered together to thousands of people.
(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(Our retreat, Who am I in Christ?, will be held in the Cincinnati area Feb. 18-19. To register, call (937) 587-5464 or e-mail retreats@presentationministries.com.)
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