Have you ever talked with a friend on a topic and then over the course of the next few days, it keeps popping up in different ways? That’s what happened to me over this past week. I was sharing with a friend about vulnerability one night and then the very next morning Robert Hotchkin was sharing about vulnerability and love in our staff prayer time. I loved what Robert was sharing. It’s so funny how that works. Then in other conversations, the word “vulnerability” just kept popping up. I thought I would take the hint and bring it here, haha!

In speaking and hearing about vulnerability lately, I looked to Jesus’ life. Was He vulnerable? And how so? What’s amazing is that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Word made flesh, was totally vulnerable as a man that walked this Earth. He came as each of us come into this world, a baby. A baby that is totally helpless and dependent on others to survive. As human beings being a newborn baby is probably the most vulnerable state of our lives.

Continuing to think upon Jesus’ life, I thought of His death. Jesus knew He would be betrayed by Judas. He was vulnerable and open to that even though He KNEW! How many of us would stay open to a friend that was going to turn us over to be killed?! Yet, He still called him FRIEND. In being turned over Jesus never defended himself or fought back. He knew what was to be done. He allowed Himself to stay in that vulnerable state knowing and then experiencing the beatings and crucifixion.

Vulnerability is defined as “the quality or state of being exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed, either physically or emotionally.” The cross is where Jesus, to the world, looked the weakest. Jesus was no longer just exposed to the possibility of being attacked and harmed but experienced it to the full extent. Here is where we see the possible consequences of being vulnerable with even those you love. He was vulnerable because He loved us. Vulnerable because the joy set before Him was worth so much more than pain He had to endure. Amazing that He would be so vulnerable for the sake of relationship and intimacy with us. You can’t have a deep relationship without being vulnerable with one another.

So many times a friend has thrown me under the bus or used my own words against me. I’ve often struggled in light of past situations to be vulnerable with others for fear of being hurt. But as I reflect on Jesus as we enter into the Christmas season I realize that is exactly what He did. So who am I to withhold love? Who am I that I would withhold relationship for the fear of being hurt when the King of Kings laid down His life for me? So I’d like to encourage you as we enter into this Christmas season to reflect on Jesus’s life. As you reflect ask, “where do I not look like you, Jesus, in areas of vulnerability that flow from love?’

He will show you. Respond to it.

Written by: Liz Livingston

Published on: 12/12/2017