Walking Otherward: Forty Meditations on Following Jesus’ Path of Other-centered, Co-suffering Love

by Marc Alan Schelske, Brian Zahnd (foreword)

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.




Endorsements

"Marc Schelske’s devotional resonates deeply for me in many registers. Each reflection begins with a probing question that invites a response from a well-chosen Gospel reading, followed by both inward and Godward reflections of our own. We’re then asked to compose an intention that orients prayers of faith to prepare us for life in the world each day. The open-hearted and open-question approach Marc offers makes this prayer book fresh every time the reader returns to it because it grows along with the devotee. Most of all, the book's Christ-centered subtitle is precisely the need of this hour. Those who claim the Christian label will do well to be re-immersed in the Jesus Way, while those who don’t will discover the path of other-centered, co-suffering love is just what they’ve longed for, regardless of their faith tradition. I know I will come back to this precious cycle of devotions repeatedly."

- Dr. Bradley Jersak, Principle, St. Stephen’s University, Author


"Reading Marc's book, I couldn't help but call to mind Rainer Rilke's “Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves . . . the point is, to live everything. Live the questions now.” Indeed, this is what Marc has invited us into. Through the questions at the end of each devotion and the prayer of intention, the reader is invited on a journey of reflection that welcomes our living."

- Felicia Murrell, Spiritual Director, Author


"Spirituality doesn’t have to be abstract and inaccessible. Marc Schelske invites the reader on a Lenten journey with him, trusting that when we pay attention to scripture and life, we find remarkable ways God is at work. He makes that feel like the most natural thing in the world."

- Mandy Smith, Pastor, Author

"In Walking Otherward, Marc Alan Schelske guides us on a forty-day journey toward the cross with Jesus. This daily devotional, perfect for Lent or for any season of spiritual reflection, brings together scripture, reflection, journaling, and prayer to invite us to an open-handed, open-hearted exploration of the way of Jes

222 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 18, 2025

About the author

Marc Alan Schelske writes about life at the intersection of grace and growth. He hosts The Apprenticeship Way podcast and writes about nurturing a healthy inner life. He serves as the pastor of Bridge City Community Church and lives in Portland, Oregon. You can find him and more writing at www.MarcAlanSchelske.com.

Reviews

[Raynna Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really appreciated the conversations this spurred my children and I to have as we read through it together. The tenacity of Walking Otherward's focus is that Jesus is other-centered and co-suffering and that if I am thoughtful of the ways I need to step aside, release ego, or let go of my
familiar and comfortable ways, I can be like Jesus too. I got to be a beta reader as well as received an Advance Reader Copy which gave me an opportunity to really spend a lot of time considering these themes, I am very grateful.

[Shauna Viele · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader copy in ebook version and am looking forward to getting my hard copy soon. Frankly this book is an excellent resource at any time, not just Lent. If current events have you wondering just what you need to be doing differently, this is a good place to start. Each chapter/reflection closes with prompts for deeper introspection and opportunity for writing your own prayer of intention. If your prayer life has been a routine recitation of the same "please and thank yous," this will get you out of that rut. I dare say this book will change the spiritual lives of many folks if they take the time to truly read it in a reflective manner.

I think I have read all of Marc's books and I find this one the most compelling of them all.

[Renate Gritter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great work from Marc on this book! I enjoyed the quick journey through my advanced copy a great deal, and thought throughout that this would be a fantastic companion through the lengthy inward sojourn that is the lenten season. It's gospel readings, reflections, questions and exercises are accessible for new Christians and yet they offer poignant and relevant food for thought to longstanding followers of the Jesus Way as well. Marc's voice comes through as warm, earnest and wise, in perfect harmony with this book's relaxingly navigable format and richly researched content. Go get into it!

[Kim Puckett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was blessed to receive an Advance Reader Copy of Marc’s latest book, Walking Otherward. Marc says “This book comprises forty- one short entries meant to be taken day-by-day. This format invites you to slow down, listen deeply, and sit with the ideas. Slowing down in this way is resistance against our rushed world, where it’s so easy to miss what’s important.”

I always learn so much from Marc’s books. He delivers in a way that makes sense to me and doesn’t make me feel talked down to. Marc says “I want to broaden the theological conversation for folks whose primary spiritual imagination has been shaped by fundamentalism. I also want to offer a hand to those who have been burned by institutional religion but who are still compelled by Jesus.” I am someone who grew up in a fairly fundamentalist Christian church but now consider myself spiritual rather than religious. I have forgotten some of the things I learned growing up, purposefully don’t focus or choose to embrace many of the other things I was taught and then there’s all the deep theology that I never learned. Regardless of all of this, or more accurately BECAUSE of all of this, Marc’s writings really resonate with me.

I believe I have read all of Marc’s books and this one continues to have the interesting quality that I love about all of his other books, the most interesting and educational footnotes EVER. I mean, who really reads footnotes right? I honestly look forward to reading every single footnote in Marc’s books. There’s so much interesting info there. But what a gift that he leaves it out of the main page so as not to take away from the focus of the message and yet includes the info at the bottom of the page for those who are interested.

[Lori Mazenko · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am thoroughly enjoying this book. It has greatly expanded my knowledge and understanding of Scripture and myself.... and really challenged me to revisit some of my automatic thoughts and behaviors! It's written in 40 short devotionals/ explanations of Jesus' teachings with interactive applications for introspection and personal growth. The perfect guide to prepare my heart during the season of Lent and Easter. And a great guide throughout the year, I am planning on reading and over and over.

[Bev Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to receive an advanced reader copy and asked to provide an honest review, and I must say - what a timely devotional! At a time when people are so divided and polarized, Marc Schelske encourages us to look at those we consider “other” with eyes of compassion and generosity of spirit. He challenges us to take an honest look at ourselves and encourages us on a path of increasing Christlikeness. At a time when people want to make everything great again, we are reminded of what greatness really looks like from the biblical perspective. I enjoyed Marc's book and got a lot out of it as I worked through the readings and questions. It's a thoughtful and thought-provoking read that I think could be summed up with this verse: “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love”(Gal 5:6-7)

[Brian Borin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't recommend this enough if you're looking at a gentle yet compelling take on what it means to follow Jesus during Lent or at any time.

[Joshua Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marc and his team sent me a PDF early-preview of the book, and it was great! He does a great job cutting through the myth of the white-washed, self-centered, racist, xenophobic and violence-loving Jesus that has -unfortunately- been far too prevalent in our culture.

Instead, Marc explores the real Jesus and how the dude we always call 'our savior' works to save us from the worst impulses in our culture to instead build something more inclusive, loving and life affirming.

[Maree Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic in-depth devotional accompanied by Bible readings focussed on Jesus's actions in the lead-up to his death. Marc discusses how this is a clear reflection of God's character. I think he says it best in the footnote of Day 24: "It is not sufficient to say that the God in Hebrew scripture, what Christians call the Old Testament, was one way (more violent), but Jesus came and made a change. The truth is that the mercy and long-suffering nature of God is present throughout Hebrew scriptures as well. Jesus was revealing the heart of who God has been all along."

Each day's reading examines a different aspect of Jesus's greatest commandment: love God and love your neighbour as yourself. The end of each day has a series of self-reflection questions that ask us to consider how Jesus's actions show God's character, how our own self-righteousness can get in the way of loving others and how our own selfish/unloving actions can affect the faith of others.

I would love to recommend this to everyone I know, but I'd say not all of them are ready to hear or be challenged by its contents. However, I found it very helpful and encouraging, and it really shows Jesus's life in a refreshingly different way to a typical devotional.

[Ronald · Rating 5 out of 5]

My wife and I loved using this book for our devotionals this Lent. Marc’s take on familiar Biblical passages are often unique and caused us to discuss the issues involved at length. He encourages the reader to write out a prayer about those thoughts and it gives you a resource to go back to that in many cases is very meaningful. The only Lent devotional that was this impactful for us was Brian Zahnd’s “The Unvarnished Jesus.” Highly recommended

[Mark Burlinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This heartfelt manual leads the reader into a pathway that brings life and freedom. It is not the path most traveled, but the author has walked it and his meditations are a gift to all of us who long to follow.

[Daryll Dorman · Rating 4 out of 5]

great practical book

Some really good insights and easy enough to read through but challenging enough to really get some growth! Highly recommend!

[Matthew Nash · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a gift this book
Was to me and my spiritual journey and the pain I’ve experienced in ministry

[Gerry Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mark has written this journal book in a way that leads the reader to reflect on ones faith jouney honestly without a feeling of being judged, rather being nurtured under a God who identifies with us with all the curve balls that life can throw at us. During my marriage separation I have experienced Jesus walking the moments with me as I have reflected upon the questions that Marc has posed. As I faced the questions that relate to my circumstances and how Jesus responded to life in all its complexities I found no condemnation but incredible love, compassion, mercy from this Triune God of mine. My understanding of the truth of His/Her nature has grown thoughout the book. I no longer feel the need to perform but rather to rest in and accept His abiding love

[Renee McFadden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having met Marc last spring, I was excited to check out his new book and received an ARC of Walking Otherward! I co-pastor a small church in British Columbia, Canada and I am always looking for spiritual formation tools to recommend to our congregation. I was encouraged throughout my reading by the pairing of both great scriptural depth and interpretation right alongside inclusive and accessible modern language and thought-provoking reflection questions. It has actually been awhile since I've found devotional material that really resonated with me and I'm excited to share it with others!

I loved the slow walk meandering through the narratives of the gospels, weaving together sequential stories of Jesus in a way that helps readers journey towards the cross event. Perfectly timed for the season of Lent and there is a great explanation in the appendix for those who may be new to these practices.

Marc writes with a conversational, approachable tone, he acknowledges areas of challenge or places where the reader might have questions or need more information and he addresses those concerns through the extensive use of footnotes. This allows for the meditation to flow, but also engages the curiosity of active readers to help them understand the background knowledge that underlies his theological approach. These readings would also be great to use individually as devotionals at shared encounters or gatherings with people of faith, or before leadership team meetings. The Inward and Godward reflection questions and the journaling prompts were spot on, relevant and applicable to diverse people's experiences about love, power, others and Jesus.

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the author. I have read Marc’s writings for several years now, and this is among my favorite books now. I’m looking forward to reading again during Lent! This journey with Jesus leading up to his crucifixion brings many opportunities to see Jesus with fresh eyes that show His love. The questions that accompany each daily reading are great for diving deeper into your thoughts and reactions. I highly recommend.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am grateful to have received an Advance Reader Copy of Schelske's Walking Otherward.

Schelske's writing is relevant and meaningful, bringing insightful scripture and ruminations to light. I appreciate the style and am thrilled to dive in deeper throughout the Lenten season.

I strongly recommend this book, a journal, and a heart ready to learn. Blessings on your journey.

[Joyce Pruyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was happy to receive an ARC of Walking Otherward. It could not be more timely. Whether exploring additional spiritual growth, seeking challenging meditations for Lent, or desiring more clarity in our current cultural chaos, this book will not disappoint.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being privileged to receive an ARC of Marc's book, I am not surprised at the fantastic content of the book. Marc and I share many similar thoughts about the world we live in and what the church really needs to hear in our current era of church history.

As a pastor, I've read more than my share of daily devotionals. Many seem to stretch a few day's worth of insight into a 40-day span. Not so with Walking Otherward. In fact, every day has something incredibly meaningful to think about. One of those quotes (and areas that Marc and I relate on quite a bit) is this: "Love has no use for coercion. It does no violence. Truth doesn’t play the games of corrupt politicians. As more and more people choose to follow Jesus’ way of love and truth, empires of violence and corruption lose their power."

This book carries a message that so many in the church need to hear. I hope you'll not only read it for yourself but share it with as many as you possibly can. And pastors, please think about this book for your congregation this Lenten season.

[Adarienne Burrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. It is rich and deep with spiritual meaning that promote spiritual growth. Thank you Marc!

[Tim Wilbur · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading an ARC of Marc’s new book, my appreciation for him as a pastor and teacher has expanded. His ability to gently, yet confidently, remind us of the sacrificial, co-suffering nature of the true Gospel is a necessary voice in these times of the privilege and power seeking versions. American believers and unbelievers alike need to be exposed to Marc’s teachings in order to clear up their “well-meaning misunderstandings” about Jesus and what He is about. This book will be very helpful in doing just that!

As a pastor of over 45 years, I was also very blessed by his thoughtful meditative directives at the end of each devotional reading. These questions and reflections were intimately phrased in order to cause me to prayerfully and carefully look to my own heart and seek Jesus for me in this day and circumstance. This will certainly not be a one and done book for me, but one I will return to many times in this walk with the Savior!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great companion to aide on one’s life journey of becoming more like the Servant King, Jesus. Meditating on the words, actions and ways Jesus modeled co-suffering love is the entire theme of this book. The author, Marc Schelske, could not have chosen a better theme to write on for the times we find ourselves living in.

[Aaron J Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great devotional, perfect for anyone curious about another way to express Christianity as love. Marc writes with accessibility and care. This is a great book for dipping your toe into Lent or for deepening your practice. My experience with an advanced reader copy was spiritually moving and helped me see what other-centered co-suffering love can be.