And many followed him, and he healed them all and ordered them not to make him known.
If you and I were to approach the mission of changing the world, I can imaging that we would attempt a strategy that included social media, networking with as many powerful and influential people as humanly possible, fundraising for a few commercials during the Super Bowl, and hiring a celebrity brand ambassador or two.
While none of these things are bad in and of themselves, and some if not all of them can be helpful in spreading a message, Jesus chose another path.
Jesus spread the Good News and began the path of changing the world by entering the world as a suffering servant who focused on mainly pouring into just twelve people (though He did minister to the masses too), connected with people who had no power or authority and of whom He had nothing to gain in return, and instructed them not to tell of His healings.*
This seems like the best way to not change the world.
How often do we discount or ignore our ability to bring the Good News into this world? How often do we chase fame, influence, and recognition with the belief that if we achieve these things then we will be able to reach the world for Christ?
What if that’s a lie?
What if Jesus paved the way for ordinary people to focus on twelve people around them, to seek obscurity, and to serve others to the point of suffering? What if the goal of Christ and thus the goal of the believer is to become so small in the eyes of others that only the work of God may be seen?
These are the steps to seeing the world change.
Stop chasing fame. Stop chasing significance. I chased them with all of my being and found nothing. I spent a large portion of my life chasing fame and significance so that I could tell the world about Jesus. I lied to myself. I actually wanted acceptance, respect, and affirmation. I wanted to be known. I failed. I found emptiness. Then, I found Jesus.
Today, take a step.
Maybe today the one step God wants you to take is to stop chasing significance. Perhaps your desire for fame must end. Maybe today God wants you to receive His identity for you in a way that erases your need to be seen. Perhaps God wants you to take one step into obscurity to help those who have no voice. Maybe God wants you to see the twelve around you rather than chase the masses beyond you.
Whatever the step, ask God to direct it. Take a moment to take that step. Invite Him to speak. He will.
Life is a long road. Walk it with Jesus. Take a step today… just one is fine.
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*Leon, Morris, The Gospel According to Matthew. Pillar New Testament Commentary (Wm. B. Eerdmans, 1992), 308–312, and Keener, C. S., Matthew (Vol. 1, Mt 12:15–21) (InterVarsity Press, 1997).