Christ’s greatest work was not done in a Temple or a synagogue. It was not accomplished through discussion with religious leaders or debate with skeptics.

His work was done outside the city where the lepers lived. At the side of the road where the beggar sat. In the fields where the poor gathered to hear something from God.

The work of Jesus was on full display next to a well in Samaria and in a cemetery where broken hearts wailed and wept.

Christ’s work was not to reform Rome or deliver Israel from severe taxation. It was to set common people free from the bondage of sin.

His associates were not the religious elite and politically correct. They were rough fisherman and redeemed prostitutes and thieves.

In the end, Christ’s greatest work was not done inside the walls of acceptable society at all. It was done “without the camp…without the gate” (Hebrews 13:11-12). He died on the town garbage heap between two thieves.

His work was done in a place where soldiers gamble and people curse. In a crossroads so diverse that His title had to be written in three languages.

And what about us? Is our greatest work done inside beautiful church buildings and comfortable offices? Is it done surrounded by clean, polite, church going people?

Christ’s greatest work is still done where sinners are. You will meet them, and Him, out beside the road. In the out of the way places of life.

Hurting hearts and homes are everywhere. And that’s where Jesus wants to go.

“Let us go forth therefore unto Him without the camp, bearing his reproach” (Hebrews 13:13).