Perhaps you've been captivated by Jesus for a long time or are newly intrigued by him. You already know it's possible to be a Christian and not be very much like Jesus, but that's not what you want. Whether through your own study or your spiritual intuition, you sense that following the way of Jesus ought to be transformational for you and for the world you inhabit.

The urgent drive of our time-to always be moving upward and forward-has already taken its toll on you. You suspect an inward focus is necessary for personal healing and growth but wonder if it makes any difference for others in the world around you. And you definitely don't want to go backward, whether to past ways of thinking that were destructive or back to a world that is more hierarchical, violent, and exploitative. Perhaps you feel homeless spiritually and wonder which way you should go.

The gospel narrative of Jesus' life suggests a path. Walking Otherward is a forty-day devotional that follows the Gospel texts of Jesus' final weeks before his crucifixion. Each entry invites you to try on Jesus' attitude, setting aside self-centered, ego-defending ambition in exchange for other-centered, co-suffering love.

Rather than climbing upward, retreating backward, or withdrawing inward, Jesus' path invites us to walk otherward.

Walking Otherward is suitable for use during Lent or any other season of spiritual introspection.