Jesus Knows What it is to be Vulnerable

In order to truly understand Jesus, we must comprehend two crucial things:

1. Jesus is the Almighty God

2. Jesus lived a human life

In light of the holiday season, I decided to focus on the second.

"Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; hail th'incarnate Deity, pleased with us in flesh to dwell, Jesus, our Immanuel." ('Hark! The Herald Angels Sing' lyrics by Charles Wesley)

This excerpt showcases both facts. I can talk about the theology in Christmas hymns of old all day, but I want to make sure I stick to the point of this post.

Jesus, the King of kings chose a manger to be His first cradle

Jesus, in all of His infinite wisdom, chose a woman espoused to a carpenter to bring Him into this world. He chose to be born to a simple and unwealthy family in a politically tumultuous time.

He decided to be brought into this world as a baby. He grew up through childhood. A very powerful man wanted Him dead. Imagine a grown man wanting to murder an infant because of an easily threatened ego. Jesus could have come as a warrior clad in armor, but He did not choose to. He chose the vulnerability each of us experience. The vulnerability of infancy.

Jesus preached, taught, and performed miracles when everything was at stake

The iron fist of Roman rule snuffed out those who would dare disobey. The religious leaders wanted to make sure that the nation of Israel could survive as well as it could under such circumstances and didn't want to upset the applecart. This and their pride led to side eye anyone they viewed as dangerous.

The high priest himself said "it is expedient for one man to die for the people, and not that the whole nation should perish." (John 11:50)

People were bent on destroying Jesus, He preached anyway. Jesus knew vulnerability.

Jesus knew fear

We would not have salvation if it weren't for Christ's sacrifice. Such a showcase of God's love wasn't as easy as buying roses or chocolates. When Jesus reached the threshold of this choice, He froze. He Hesitated. He was scared.

He showed vulnerability to His disciples. "My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death..."

He begged for another way. His sweat turned to blood. (Luke 22:44)

Jesus knew dread and fear.

Jesus knew betrayal

Jesus spoke to all who were willing to listen. However, there was a group of individuals He poured even more into. For three years He took 12 young men and taught them daily. He ironed out their petty squabbles. Their travels were undoubtedly filled with conversations He couldn't have with just anyone. These men were His friends.

Yet, that wasn't enough for one of those men. Judas valued earthly treasure more than Jesus' friendship, His ministry, even His life.

Jesus knew the sting of betrayal.

Jesus, God in flesh, faced death

An Almighty God chose to live a human life. The thing that makes that choice so valuable was the way His human life ended.

Jesus, a perfectly innocent man was arrested by a mob with torches. Tortured both physically and psychologically. His tormenters demanded a blindfolded Jesus to name the ones who struck Him. Yet, that was just the start.

He hung on a cross while soldiers cast lots for His clothes. The religious elite laughed at His suffering. A man dying the same death mocked Him.

Jesus knew vulnerability.

In Conclusion:

If you are struggling or suffering in any way this holiday season, Jesus is no stranger to what you are feeling. There is no reason to fear coming to Him. He chose to come to a fallen earth to give us new life.

Hebrews 4:14-16

¹⁴ Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.

¹⁵ For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

¹⁶ Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.