Eyes Wide Open: 40-Day Lenten Devotional Sample

Scrubbing Toilets

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." - Mark 10:45

You have seen him. The man on the corner with graphic posters, bellowing at bystanders about their sexual habits and hobbies, calling them to repent and turn to Jesus. He is convinced he is doing God’s work. 

A few blocks away, another man scrubs toilets, shares food with those who are hungry, and he also speaks of Jesus. Over time, some want this Jesus in their lives. Many dislike this imperfect man’s message but still, his authentic kindness has a lingering impact. 

Two men. Both want the folks around them to go to heaven. Yet one man propels people towards Jesus while the other man pushes people away from Jesus. Why?

Perhaps in part, the answer is seen in the life of our Lord. Jesus preached to the crowds. He had an offensive message too. Still, how he lived has more in common with the second man as he connected deeds to words. 

Many today are turned off by religion, offended by crabby Christians. Sadly, as Mahatma Gandhi famously said, “I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” Still, some are drawn to Jesus in spite of us. They likely do not understand who Jesus truly is. Yet, he woos them. Why?

Jesus was willing to suffer for his message. When we humbly serve those around us and possibly suffer for what we proclaim, people may be more inclined to hear our words. 

Jesus’ deeds of suffering, dying, resurrection, and his words changed the world. As we imitate his commitment to word (sharing his message) and deed (sacrificing for those who are suffering), people maybe more likely to stop and check out who this Jesus is. 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for sharing your message with me in word and deed. Enable me to follow you by serving others in word and deed with the kind of joy that radiates your love. Amen.

- Written by Thom Schultz, Tammy Schultz, & Benjamin Schultz