Redefining Vulnerability

During the third Sunday of Lent, as we continue reading “Abide with Us: A Lenten Journey with the Saints,” Truesdale introduces Hippolytus of Rome through the devotional that reveals the surprising vulnerability of Jesus. Because vulnerability is often considered the opposite of invincibility, power and strength, it can be difficult to think of our Savior as being vulnerable. However, the vulnerability of Jesus is what allows the good news of deliverance to better understood. 

Inspiring leadership requires vulnerability.  Brene Brown is frequently referenced because of her seminal work in the area of leadership and vulnerability.   She explains the difference between disclosure and vulnerability—many people assume vulnerability simply means disclosing extremely personal information.  Vulnerability involves exposure and risk.  Ironically, Brown’s work with the military provided a clear conceptualization of vulnerability.  One of the servicemen noted that after three tours of duty, he was certain that no act of courage is observed without uncertainty, risk and/or emotional exposure.

Hippolytus notes that Jesus does not avoid even the simplest expressions of human existence.  Jesus hungers, toils, flees and prays.  Most importantly, in spite of his unlimited power, Jesus subjects himself to the mockery of Roman soldiers.  Jesus allows himself to be judged by Caiaphas.  These moments of vulnerability afford Jesus opportunities to transform the lives of those he encounters as well as those who are witnesses to these events.  The vulnerability of Jesus becomes our strength.

We will delve even more into the meaning of vulnerability during the worship service and the Sunday morning classes.  We are looking forward to seeing you, learning with you and growing together throughout this season of Lent.  We’ll see you Sunday morning (and don’t forget the opportunity to gather at 6:00am Thursday for the additional class at Panera in Moline).

In Christ,
Jon McCoy